May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Tens of millions of Americans suffer from mental health issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this already severe problem. Employers are paying attention. Many companies report accelerated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety within their workforce, which leads to worker burnout, absenteeism, decreased workplace morale, and turnover. It also manifests into physical ailments (and, in turn, healthcare and disability claims): many studies show those who have mental illness have increased risks of everything from cancer to heart disease.

Simply stated, employee mental health has a direct impact on business productivity and results. Fortunately, employer awareness around mental health has been increasing for years, and it’s no longer just a focus of the HR or benefits team. Well-being is the number one issue on the C-suite’s mind, and employers are acting.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and is an excellent opportunity for companies to focus on the issue, but it cannot be a one-and-done campaign. Supporting employee mental health needs to be an everyday priority for employers and embedded into the overall company culture. Fortunately, we now have the resources to do so.

Organizations are investigating and adopting targeted strategies to support their employees’ mental well-being. There are innumerable solutions in the marketplace. There are low or no-cost options like employee assistance programs (EAPs), mobile apps, online surveys, and educational campaigns. Then there are very impactful options like stress management, life purpose and mindfulness solutions, care navigation, substance abuse programs, coaching and counseling, and crisis management solutions.

Employees of all ages want to work for a company that cares about their well-being, and it’s the most important thing Millennials and Gen Z want from their employer. Historically, well-being programs have primarily focused on physical health, but a well-rounded well-being strategy also includes equal emphasis on mental/emotional, social, and financial health.

Prioritize employee mental health in your workplace: it will improve worker productivity, elevate company culture, attract new hires, lower employee turnover, and positively impact employer healthcare and disability claims costs.

Dan Gowen
SVP, Employee Benefits Practice Leader
Assurex Global