A recent study from RethinkFirst Reveals Nearly 74% of Parents Missed Work Last Year to Address Their Child’s Mental Health or Academic Performance (prnewswire.com) This alarming trend highlights the importance of offering telehealth services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and mental health solutions in the workplace to improve parents’ attendance, attention, and overall well-being.
The study’s findings shed light on the challenges working parents face in balancing their professional and family responsibilities. Scientists estimate that the time parents take off work to provide support to their students could cost the U.S. economy as much as $65 billion in lost productivity annually. Whether it’s attending to a child’s mental health needs, ensuring academic success, or addressing other family-related matters, these obligations often lead to missed workdays. In today’s health benefits world, there is a solution for your clients!
The Power of Telehealth, EAPs, and Mental Health Solutions
In response to this concerning trend, employers have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on their workforce by offering these valuable resources:
1. Telehealth Services
- Telehealth provides parents with convenient access to medical professionals for addressing their children’s mental health concerns from anywhere at any time.
- This remote option eliminates the need for parents to take time off work for doctor’s appointments, spend time at consultations, or doctor’s office.
2. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- EAPs offer confidential counseling and support services to employees and their families, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
- Employees can seek assistance for various issues, including mental health concerns, and parenting issues, giving them peace of mind to be at work.
3. Access to Mental Health Solutions for both Employees and Their Families
- Empowering both your client’s employees and their families to have access to mental health solutions is a way to create a healthier environment with loyal employees.
In conclusion, the study highlights a pressing need for telehealth and mental health support for parents in the workplace. Employers who recognize and address these challenges can expect improved attendance, productivity, and employee satisfaction. Offering these services showcases a commitment to employees’ well-being in an ever-evolving work landscape.
