Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it impacts employees’ productivity and overall health. Unfortunately, many employees hesitate to seek help due to fears of discrimination or job loss. As a result, mental health challenges may go untreated and impede performance, ultimately costing companies money. However, companies can take action to support their employees’ mental health, and it starts with simply reminding employees of the benefits they provide.
According to a report by Kaiser Permanente, untreated depression can cost companies almost $10,000 per employee per year in absenteeism and productivity losses. This underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns among employees. To make matters worse, the American Psychiatric Association notes that employees may put off seeking help due to concerns about being treated differently or losing their job.
However, employers can take steps to address this issue head-on. The American Psychological Association reports that roughly 87% of employees feel that actions by their employer would help their mental health, such as endorsing mental health benefits and providing regular check-ins with employees. Regular communication about these benefits can serve as a crucial reminder, helping to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and encouraging employees to seek help when they need it.
Ultimately, mental health benefits must be valuable to employees for them to be used. By promoting a culture of self-care and well-being, employers can help their employees to thrive, save money, and retain talent in the workplace. When employers take action to remind employees of the benefits they offer and work to address the stigma surrounding mental health, they can create an environment where everyone can feel supported and valued.
If you have questions about how you can support your employees’ mental health, send your questions to sales@allyhealth.net or visit www.allyhealth.net.