As an employer, are you paying attention to what is stressing out your employees? Mental health options are an integral part of overall health and well-being, yet often go unrecognized or neglected in many group health care plans. Many employers offer physical health benefits that cover doctor visits, prescriptions, and other preventative services but often overlook the importance of mental health care. This oversight can have serious consequences for both employees and businesses alike, leading to increased stress and decreased productivity. A recent survey of over 1,000 employees by JobSage, an employee transparency platform revealed the following disturbing statistics: 41% of Americans are considering quitting their jobs. 67% of employees say they are stressed by their jobs (compared to 54% in 2022). 55% of employees say they are anxious because of job aspects (compared to 36% in 2022). Fortunately, there are several ways employers can incorporate mental health options into their group health care plans to ensure their employees’ physical and mental health are protected. Here are five suggestions to boost up your overall package and help you attract and retain high level talent. Provide access to mental health professionals. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as providing a list of in-network mental health providers, offering coverage for telehealth services, or even providing on-site counseling services. Consider offering coverage for mental health services. This could include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and medication management. Ensure health plans have adequate coverage for mental health issues. Coverage for both in-person and virtual visits, as well as coverage for prescription medication may encourage more employees to seek the help they would benefit from. Consider offering coverage for alternative treatments. Treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling are becoming more and more desirable when potential employees are comparing benefits as part of an overall job offer. Create a supportive work environment for employees. This can include offering flexible work schedules, providing paid time off for mental health days, and offering workshops or seminars on topics such as stress management and mindfulness. By creating an environment that encourages employees to take care of their mental health, employers can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and create a...
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Employee Benefit Guidance & Compliance Solutions
