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Considerations for employers when choosing mental health benefits
Five considerations employers should keep in mind when evaluating mental health benefits to ensure employees receive comprehensive support to grow personally and professionally is shown below.
1. awareness and education
It is important to recognize the range of emotions and challenges that individuals face when trying to balance work and personal life. While these challenges do not necessarily fit neatly into diagnostic categories, they have a significant impact on the lives of employees as they juggle work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. Prioritizing education about the importance of mental health helps employees feel valued and supported, contributing to a company culture of empathy and understanding.
2. Prioritize happiness
Achieving holistic health requires understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Employers can address the root causes of mental health symptoms by adopting evidence-based approaches such as lifestyle medicine that focuses on preventive measures and self-care. This proactive approach promotes sustainable employee health.
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3. Provide clinical navigation support
When an employee faces a serious issue, such as a new diagnosis or mental health concern, navigating the complex landscape of medical options can be daunting, leaving more questions than answers. will occur. Providing clinical navigation services from trained medical professionals ensures individuals receive the right care from the start and reduces unnecessary tests and visits. Directing employees to the appropriate mental health resource or provider for their needs allows them to seek help confidently and efficiently.
4. Provide personalized referrals for in-person care
Some people may benefit from ongoing or in-person treatment. By providing personalized in-person care referrals that take into account your employees' insurance coverage, cultural preferences, and language needs, you can ensure that your employees receive the care they want and need. Additionally, if done correctly, referrals for in-person care will also consider provider availability and subspecialties, reducing long wait times.
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5. Expanding support for families
Employee well-being is closely tied to their dependents. Benefits for mental health should also include the family unit. Providing children, elderly parents and carers with access to mental health expertise emphasizes a commitment to holistic health and wellbeing. Employers demonstrate that they are truly invested in the overall health and well-being of their employees by committing to continued family care.
The strategic advantage of prioritizing employee mental health
When mental health benefits deliver on these considerations, they not only create a culture of empathy but also empower employees to prioritize their own health. This results in a more engaged and highly functioning workforce as a result of a true investment in the overall health and well-being of your employees. Employers navigating the maze of options can use these considerations as a guide as they develop inclusive workplaces where employees feel seen, valued, and supported.