Why You Should Offer a Benefits Plan That Includes Coverage for Mental Health Services

As an employer, the health and wellness of your employees should be a top priority. In addition to caring for physical ailments, you must also understand the importance of your workforce’s mental health. After all, mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can significantly impact an employee’s overall well-being and productivity in the workplace. With that in mind, your organization should take steps to care for your workers’ mental wellness, such as by including essential services in your employee benefits portfolio.

What Mental Health Benefits Should Employers Consider Offering?

The capabilities and details of mental health benefits may vary significantly. Your organization should thoroughly assess its options when considering the contents of your employee benefits packages. Common mental health employee benefits may include the following:

• Wellness benefits—These perks and opportunities may include providing access to mental health screenings, educational workshops and wellness incentive programs.
• Access to therapy—Many employers’ group health plans may include access to medical services but may lack access to mental healthcare.
• Telemedicine—These benefits can provide employees with convenient and flexible access to mental health services by connecting them with providers using technological solutions, such as secure video chat software.
• Employee assistance programs—These confidential programs can help employees manage various mental health issues, including anxiety, grief, financial stress and substance abuse.
• Paid time off—Providing employees ample paid time off can prevent burnout and relieve stress.
• Flexible work arrangements—Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be critical for your employees’ mental health. Remote and hybrid work arrangements and flexible hours can help workers stay productive while managing nonwork-related responsibilities.

As an employer, you may want to survey your employees regarding their mental health benefits needs and preferences to ensure your benefits plan offers essential services.

Why Should Employers Offer Mental Health Benefits?

As an employer, you should prioritize the health and wellness of your employees, including their mental well-being. In addition to fulfilling such obligations, helping employees maintain good mental health and wellness may also produce positive effects on the following aspects of your workplace:

• Productivity—If your employees struggle with their mental health, they may struggle to maintain focus and productivity at work. Furthermore, mental health problems can also lead to increased absences and tardiness.
• Safety—Employees who are distracted or struggling with burnout may be more likely to make mistakes in the workplace that could endanger themselves or their colleagues.
• Culture—By creating and cultivating a workplace that prioritizes mental health, your organization can help foster an environment that encourages inclusion, support and collaboration.
• Attraction and retention—In today’s competitive labor market, providing mental health benefits may help differentiate your organization from competing employers regarding retaining your current employees and attracting top candidates.

Build the Right Benefits Portfolio

At Lyceum Insurance Services, we have over 40 years of experience working with employers to optimize their employee benefits options. Our dedicated staff has the knowledge and expertise to help your organization understand the importance of mental health benefits. Visit our website or call 301-840-6624 to get started today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.