The Role Of Employee Benefits In Promoting Mental Health And Wellness

Addressing workplace stress

In today’s often fast-paced business environment, employees’ mental health and wellness have become a critical concern for many leaders. The line between personal and work life is becoming increasingly blurred, and many HR professionals are beginning to recognize the importance of comprehensive benefits that allow for mental health support and inclusions such as addiction recovery services. 

Every year, one in five adults reportedly experiences a mental health concern, yet many do not seek help because of a lack of mental health coverage, stigma, or accessibility. When companies go “all in” on mental health and wellness promotion and coverage, they can expect several benefits in return, such as reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and better retention rates. 

 

Increased Stress, Increased Need 

According to recent statistics, stress has a $300 billion yearly price tag in the United States. Everything from lost days at work that cost business owners to healthcare costs helps create a vicious cycle where people feel stress and then experience the stress becoming compounded by personal and monetary costs. 

Nearly half of U.S. workers report feeling some level of stress, which can be born from personal issues, work stress, or a combination of both. Whatever the source of employee stress, if they feel alone in their battle against stress, it can be that much more challenging to overcome, leading some people to use substances in an attempt to combat the stress and pressure they feel. 

According to data from the National Safety Council, “one worker in 12 has a substance use disorder,” laying bare the critical juncture at which many businesses may find themselves. Giving into stigmas surrounding mental health struggles and substance use has now given way to supportive policies and benefits in the workplace that allow people to recover and grow within their careers at the same time. 

Employers are taking proactive measures to ensure their employees feel supported and covered by comprehensive benefit programs. 

Trends in Employee Health and Wellness Benefits 

There are several emerging trends in employee benefits that address employee wellness, mental health, and even substance abuse recovery needs, but all robust approaches begin with comprehensive healthcare coverage. Many employers are recognizing the need for expanded healthcare plans that allow for mental health visits or even rehabilitation services for substance abuse. These comprehensive plans reduce barriers to seeking help and improve overall employee wellness company-wide. 

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are also becoming popular with organizations. These programs help companies provide their employees with a confidential way to seek services for various stress-inducing challenges, such as substance use or depression. 

Many companies also give employees access to apps and online resources for mental health wellness. Apps that encourage people to take moments of rest or meditation can help employees grapple with everyday stressors and find healthier ways of coping with mental health obstacles. 

Companies are also expanding their offerings to include workshops or learning opportunities on stress management, awareness of the signs of distress or substance abuse in team members for leaders, or mindfulness programs. These programs allow the entire company to work together toward creating comprehensive benefits that can help all employees. 

With addiction treatment becoming less stigmatized, many employers are starting to include substance abuse rehabilitation or support programs in benefit packages. Considered “recovery-ready” workplaces, these forward-thinking organizations offer employees a hand up during what can often be a dark time in their lives. 

The role of employee benefits in promoting mental health and wellness among employees has never been more critical. The silver lining is that employers who prioritize employee mental health and overall wellness are bound to see positive effects on employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Comprehensive health benefits set employees up for long-term success at work and in their personal lives. 

Today’s business leaders should look for ways to foster more compassionate and supportive workplaces. Strong benefit plans that include provisions for mental health, substance use, and overall wellness help them lay the foundation for better workplaces in the future.

Erin Moran (MS, Licensed Mental Health Counselor) is the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Sophros Recovery.