May is Mental Health Awareness month, but in reality, we all know that the lockdown was months of mental health awareness. The world turned upside down and the impact is not over. More than four in ten Americans (41%) say they are more anxious than last year. The 2021 State of Mental Health in America report gives the data we already knew: anxiety and depression are skyrocketing–especially for youth. This puts tremendous strain on working parents. Successful business relies on healthy employees. What can an employer do now?
- Engage: The single greatest obstacle to addressing mental health is stigma. Make sure managers check in with employees regularly–an invaluable practice in all circumstances–to see how they are and what they need. There is no need to pry of course but general concern and listening is an immeasurable benefit.
- Resources: Make your employees aware of mental health resources in your community as well as your workplace. Treat it like a workplace safety notice: important and placed in a physical or online/intranet location that is easy to find.
- Insurance Coverage: Check your plan carefully to know what is covered. Walmart is now offering 10 no-cost therapy sessions per occurrence for each associate and their eligible dependents. While you may not be able to offer this level of benefits, explore what is available and what you may want to include for your employees.
- Fun: As people return to work, remember to find ways to connect. Cookie swap, trivia contests, Taco Tuesday–whatever works for your workplace.
Lastly, as my grandmother used to say, you can never be too kind. That works too.
Questions? We can help.