10 Employee Mental Health Benefits: Invest in Your Workforce

Ever feel like your job is draining all your energy? Exhaustion, stress, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed – sound familiar? Well, you're not alone. Imagine a world where nearly 1 billion people struggle with a mental health disorder. Here in the US, it's closer to home: 1 in 5 adults face a mental illness. Shockingly, only half receive treatment.

The cost? Staggering. Poor mental health is projected to reach a global price tag of $6 trillion (about $18,000 per person in the US) by 2030 – that's more than cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses combined.

But this isn't just a societal issue. Businesses are feeling the pinch, too. Unaddressed mental health translates to more absences, higher turnover, and a dip in productivity – all leading to skyrocketing healthcare costs.

That's why mental health benefits are becoming a game-changer for employers. Employees are your power source. But what if half are running low on fuel? It's time to move past outdated ideas about employee wellness and embrace a new era of mental health support.

But before discussing the top employee mental health benefits, let's consider the benefits of offering them.

Why Is Offering Mental Health Benefits Crucial For The Workplace?

It is not only essential but a necessity now more than ever to recognize the need to address your employee's mental health struggles. With all the work culture and technological advancement, it is no longer what the employers want but more likely what the employees want.

Almost all employees are demanding mental health support. In a recent American Psychological Association survey (2023), 92% of employees say that their employer must offer it. It's time to listen.

Again, recognizing the growing need for mental health support is imperative. In one survey, almost 90 percent of employers reported increasing their investments in employee mental health.

Mental health benefits aren't just a perk but a strategic investment. Studies show they can:

• Boost Productivity: A well-supported workforce experiences less stress and burnout, leading to higher output.

• Increase ROI: Reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and improved employee retention translate to significant cost savings and financial gains.

• Attract Top Talent: In today's competitive market, offering mental health benefits is a significant draw for skilled professionals who prioritize well-being.

10 Mental Health Benefits Companies Are Offering Their Employees

In today's fast-paced business world, employee well-being isn't just a perk, it's a strategic priority. Companies recognize the importance of happy and healthy employees, and mental health benefits are gaining traction.

Here are 10 innovative ways companies are supporting their workforce's mental well-being:

1. Comprehensive Mental Health Coverage

While mental health benefits are becoming more common, access to affordable care remains a major hurdle. Here's the reality: over 42% of Americans avoid seeking treatment due to cost barriers and limited insurance coverage.

How can you ensure your employees can use your mental health benefits?

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when going for mental health coverage: -

• Cost Matters: Analyze in-network co-pays for therapy compared to your company's median salary. Are they within reach of your employees?

• Coverage Limits: Watch out for caps on therapy visits or total coverage amounts for mental health care. Low caps can leave employees with significant out-of-pocket costs.

• Verify therapist network: Request an updated list of in-network mental health professionals and verify if they're still practicing and accepting new patients.

By scrutinizing these factors, you can ensure your mental health benefits aren't just a checkbox, but a valuable and accessible resource for your employees.

2. Create Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with Awareness.

EAPs are designed to support the mental health of employees and to encourage them to deal with problems at work. Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), but their true potential often goes untapped. EAPs can be a game-changer for employee well-being, offering a wide range of confidential support services.

However, simply creating an EAP isn't enough. Creating awareness around the benefits of this is equally important to ensure employees feel more inclined to get the help they need.

Several of the services provided by EAPs are related to mental health and well-being. Depending on the EAP you choose, your employees may gain access to:

• Assistance with depression and anxiety treatment

• Financial counseling and support

• Help with childcare or elder care arrangements

• Stress management support

• Trauma therapy

• Access to mental health professionals

Suggested Read: The Connection Between Employee Wellness and Stress Management

3. Well-being Apps for Mental Health

A well-being app is a mobile application that somehow benefits mental or emotional health. Many organizations have opted for mobile applications to increase service and provide better mental health access to their benefit programs.

Studies show mobile mental health apps boast a 60% success rate in identifying and addressing mental health concerns. This translates to significant benefits for both businesses and employees.

Here are some of the reasons why Mobile Apps are a Win-Win:

• Employees can access help discreetly and conveniently, reducing the stigma around mental health issues.

• Apps offer on-demand support, allowing employees to address concerns in real-time.

• During stressful situations, apps can provide immediate coping mechanisms and resources.

• The growing comfort with mobile technology makes apps a popular and accessible solution for employees.

Vantage Fit is a prime example of how mobile apps can revolutionize employee well-being. It offers a comprehensive platform featuring:

• Mindfulness Sessions: Learn techniques to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall mental well-being.

• Yoga Programs: Reduce stress, improve flexibility, and boost mindfulness through guided yoga sessions, all accessible on your phone.

• Guided sleep sessions: These help people take a break and rest from all the work without getting any distractions.

• Mood log: You can monitor your emotional health by logging your mood daily and the factors affecting it.

4. Flexible Work Arrangements

Providing employees autonomy over how, when, and where they complete their work can promote mental health. If employees are given even a small amount of control over their working hours, they can significantly reduce stress and achieve a better work-life balance.

Here are some innovative ways to offer flexibility and empower your employees:

• Work From Anywhere: Remote work allows employees to work from home, in a co-working space, or even on the beach.

• Own Your Schedule: Flextime allows employees to choose their work hours, fostering a better work-life balance.

• Four-Day Workweek: Compress the workweek! Let employees work 4 longer days in exchange for a 3-day weekend, boosting productivity and reducing burnout.

• Work quality over long hours: Focus on results, not hours! With project-based work, employees can manage their time and work as much as needed to complete assigned projects.

• Split Shift: Split shifts allow employees to break up their workday with a break in between, offering more flexibility for personal needs.

Choose whatever option works best for your team. A flexible schedule helps employees manage their obligations, pursue hobbies, and devote time to self-care, ultimately contributing to better well-being.

Suggested Read: 47 Unique Stress Management Activities for Employees

5. Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

It is important to recognize that access to mental health services can be limited, especially outside of work hours. However, offering innovative solutions can significantly improve your employees' well-being. It can include as simple as -

• Providing paid time off specifically for mental health appointments.

• Fostering a culture where using PTO is encouraged and

• Normalizing the use of mental health days.

• Offering generous vacation packages is an investment in mental health.

Upon return, vacations allow for complete detachment from work, leading to improved physical and mental health.

Again, ample PTO also helps to reduce stress and burnout, further enhances focus and productivity upon returning to work, and fosters a culture of self-care within the organization.

By removing these barriers and offering ample time off, you're demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being, ultimately creating a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

Suggested Read: Mental Health Day Off from Work: When & How to Do It Right

6. Promote Mental Well-being Through Mindfulness and On-Site Wellness Activities.

Your workplace can be a powerful resource for employees' mental health. Here are two simple yet impactful ways to integrate well-being into your company culture:

1. Yoga for Stress Relief

The Mayo Clinic reports that yoga can ease symptoms of stress and anxiety while offering additional health benefits like lower blood pressure and reduced pain. To make it convenient for employees, consider offering free yoga classes before, during, or after work hours. You can hire an instructor on-site or subsidize classes at local studios or online yoga subscriptions.

2. Dedicated Meditation Space

Create a tranquil space for employees to de-stress and recharge. Designate a quiet room with soft lighting and comfortable seating options like plush sofas or floor cushions. Ambient sounds, calming music, or noise-canceling headphones can enhance the experience, allowing employees to unwind and practice mindfulness techniques.

Incorporating these activities provides valuable tools for employees to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance their overall mental well-being.

7. Employee Recognition Programs

Feeling appreciated at work is a major mood booster! Whether traditional or cloud-based, employee recognition programs can significantly improve mental health. By recognizing employee achievements and contributions, recognition programs make employees feel valued and appreciated. This validation can be a powerful tool against feelings of isolation and inadequacy, which can contribute to poor mental health.

Furthermore, investing in cloud-based programs makes it even easier to offer frequent recognition, creating a positive and supportive work environment that combats negativity and promotes mental well-being.

Remember, recognition comes with rewards both for employees and the organization. It helps to validate employees, boosts confidence, and fosters engagement.

8. 24/7 Helpline Services or Telehealth Counseling

You can help reduce stress and other mental health-related issues by offering mental health resources and services. It can be a game-changer for employee well-being. Here's how you can achieve the same:

• 24/7 Helpline: Provide a confidential helpline or counseling number, ensuring support is always a phone call away.

• Telehealth Therapy: Partner with telehealth providers or local therapists to offer convenient and confidential therapy sessions, even allowing employees to use work time for weekly appointments if needed.

By making access to mental health professionals easy and discreet, you're demonstrating a commitment to your employees' well-being and creating a supportive work environment where they can thrive.

9. Stress Management Seminars And Courses

Building a culture of mental well-being starts from the top. Equipping your leadership team is crucial. An educated management team may better spot warning signs of anxiety, stress, and mental health problems in the workplace. Here are two approaches you can take to achieve the same -

• Management Training: Train supervisors and managers to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and potential mental health concerns in their teams. It empowers them to have open conversations about mental health, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.

• Employee Well-being Programs: You can offer stress management seminars, courses, or classes on mindfulness and meditation to all employees. This will help equip them with practical tools and techniques to manage stress and improve their overall well-being.

Suggested Read: Creating an Effective Corporate Wellness Program

10. Virtual Mental Health Therapy

Virtual mental health solutions are revolutionizing how employees access crucial support. This eliminates commute times and disruptions to your daily routine, making mental health care significantly more accessible.

Research shows virtual therapy is highly effective in treating common concerns like anxiety, depression, and stress. Patients and therapists alike report high satisfaction rates due to the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and equitable access it provides.

Various virtual solutions are available, including video calls, phone consultations, live chats, and asynchronous messaging. The goal is to ensure everyone feels comfortable accessing support, regardless of their communication style.

Employees and their families can participate in the most beneficial programs at no cost, and there are no restrictions on how many sessions they can attend. As a result, financial barriers are removed, and employees are encouraged to prioritize their well-being.

With virtual mental health benefits, you give your employees an easy, effective, and accessible way to deal with mental health concerns, leading to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.

What To Look For Before Choosing A Mental Health Benefit?

Investing in employee mental health isn't just about checking a box. Practical benefits go beyond simply offering any service. Most wellness programs fail due to their unproven treatments, ill-equipped providers, or cultural insensitivity.

It can lead to frustration among employees and even discourage them from seeking help.

So, how do you navigate the crowded market of employee mental health benefits? Here are 8 essential qualities to ensure your program provides the practical, high-quality care your employees deserve.

• Easy Access: Short wait times, 24/7 support, and finding providers who accept new patients are crucial.

• Right Care: Offer services to address diverse needs, from mild stress to complex conditions. Include support for families as well.

• Personalized Care: Treatments should be tailored to individual needs and progress.

• Effective Treatments: Look for evidence-based treatments with proven results.

• Measurable Improvement: Track progress through clinical assessments, not just satisfaction surveys.

• Diverse Network: Provide a network of culturally responsive providers with diverse backgrounds.

• Monitored Network: Ensure ongoing training and performance monitoring for consistent quality care.

• Culture of Wellness: Go beyond basic benefits and offer resources, programs, and a safe space to discuss mental health.

Begin with a Vantage Fit Demo! Schedule one now! And, Start Your Corporate Wellness Journey Today

Summing It Up

Making mental health a priority isn't just trendy, it's a strategic investment with a powerful ROI. Studies show a 4:1 return on every dollar invested in mental health treatment. Imagine a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce – that's the reality when you prioritize mental well-being.

Ready to attract top talent, boost retention, and unlock the full potential of your team?

Transform your work culture: Offer easy access to high-quality mental health benefits. This doesn't have to be a complex undertaking. Start by investing in effective programs, such as Vantage Fit, that prioritize employee wellness.

Creating a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed fosters a thriving workforce and a successful future for your business. Take the first step today—start your free trial!