Benefits specialists anticipate that access to behavioral health services will be among the most requested benefits in upcoming years. Therefore, supporting the emotional health of employees is becoming an increasing concern for many employers. Here are some ways that an employer can provide support and encourage greater emotional health in the workplace.
Provide Better Access to Services
Employees are more likely to seek help for emotional issues if it is easy to find. Onsite counseling services could be offered on a recurring basis, or for greater flexibility, online therapy services are a practical alternative which allow an employee to converse online with a qualified counselor during a convenient time outside of the workday.
Implement an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
An Employee Assistance program is a work-based program that offers confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals or follow-up services to employees who have personal or work-related problems. They are particularly useful for addressing mental or emotional issues resulting from stress, grief, substance abuse or family problems.
Offer Appropriate Health Insurance Coverage
To ensure that employees have the best access to mental health care, it is imperative that an employer selects a health insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage for mental health services. These services could include inpatient and outpatient care, counseling and medication, plus Employee Assistance Programs.
Reduce Stress Levels
Stress affects most people at one time or another, some on a daily basis. Increased stress levels can greatly impact an employee’s health and work performance but an employer can do their part to reduce stress in a number of ways. Offering paid parental leave for new parents, onsite childcare options or childcare subsidies, flexible work options like flex time or telecommuting opportunities, or implementing an all-encompassing paid time off (PTO) plan allowing employees to choose how they spend their time off, can all make life more manageable for employees and therefore happier, less stressed and more productive on the job.
Provide Management Training
It is important that employees feel that the workplace is a safe environment and they should feel confident asking for help that they need. This is impossible if they feel that they will be penalized by a management team that views mental illness as a weakness, or an issue to avoid altogether. Leaders should be trained to spot mental illness, as well as the proper way to interact with and support their employees in need of assistance.
Contact Webb Insurance to consult with an experienced advisor who will customize a benefits plan for your company based on your budget, needs and the needs of your employees. Our established relationships with multiple insurance carriers allow us to select the most effective plans for your specific group at the most competitive prices. Contact us at 847-235-6001 or [email protected] for more information.
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