Effective employee mental health programs: How to support your workforce

Supporting employee health promotes positive outcomes for individuals and organizations. While physical health has always been a focus, with many employers offering health insurance and other wellness benefits, there's now a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace.

More than three-quarters of U.S. workers report at least one symptom of a mental health condition, and 84% say their work environment has contributed to at least one mental health challenge.

Many employers are realizing that supporting employee mental health can lead to happier teams and increase productivity. While 71% of workers believe their employer is more concerned about employee mental health than they were in the past, there is still more that can be done to improve workplace mental health.

Let’s explore some of the most effective mental health programs that companies can offer. By understanding these programs, you can better support your employees and create a healthier, more positive work environment.

Understanding the importance of employee mental health

Employee mental health is a crucial aspect of overall workplace well-being. It affects not only individual employees but also the productivity and success of the entire organization. Recognizing mental health issues and understanding their causes is key to planning and implementing an effective program to support employee mental health.

The impact of mental health on workplace productivity

Many factors can impact employee mental health. Workplace issues, such as discrimination, excessive workloads, unsocial work hours, burnout, and low job control, can be a primary reason for a decline in employees' mental health. However, mental issues can also be a result of life events and other circumstances such as bereavement, family issues, financial difficulties, or navigating infertility.

Mental health issues significantly affect workplace productivity. One systematic review found that employee stress alone costs the economy $187 billion, with 70-90% of these losses stemming from a decline in productivity. Other research indicates that workers with fair or poor mental health are estimated to have nearly 12 days of unplanned absence each year, equating to $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity.

Employees experiencing mental health issues may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or complete tasks efficiently. Depression, for instance, disrupts an employee's ability to complete physical job tasks about 20% of the time and reduces cognitive performance approximately 35% of the time.

This is also particularly true for mental health issues related to reproductive health, such as postpartum depression or anxiety surrounding fertility treatments, which can be both physically and emotionally draining. 55% of people feel infertility is more stressful than unemployment, with 75% saying it strongly impacted their productivity. Infertility can affect employee productivity in a multitude of ways including fatigue, loss of concentration, and a lack of engagement with their team.

The benefits of mental health programs for employees and employers

Effective mental health programs can greatly enhance employee well-being and morale. This is because when employers provide assistance and support employees, employees are more likely to be engaged and motivated at work.

Supporting employee mental health can also reduce absenteeism and turnover rates. Employees who have access to mental health resources are less likely to take time off due to their mental health. For example, employees who use an employee assistance program (EAP) report 52% fewer absences than those who do not. Research also shows 73% of employees and 81% of managers say they would be more likely to stay at a company that offered high-quality mental health resources.

A strong commitment to mental health can also enhance a company’s reputation and make it more attractive to top talent. Job seekers today often look for employers who prioritize their employees' mental well-being, with 81% of workers stating that how employers support employee mental health will be an important consideration when looking for a new role. 

Key components of successful employee mental health programs

Successful employee mental health benefits are built on a foundation of proactive and comprehensive support. These programs aim to address mental health from multiple angles, ensuring employees have the resources and environment they need to thrive.

Mental health assessments and screenings

Regular mental health check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of mental health issues. Just like physical health screenings, these assessments help identify problems before they become severe, allowing for timely intervention.

Various tools and methods can be used to conduct mental health assessments, including employee surveys, one-on-one interviews, and digital mental health apps. These tools can provide valuable insights into employees' mental health and help tailor support to individual needs.

Access to mental health professionals and resources

Ensuring employees have access to mental health professionals is crucial. This is especially important during significant life events, such as family planning or dealing with fertility issues. Employers can provide support through employee assistance programs, short-term counseling or on-site counselors.

Alternative counseling methods, like virtual therapy sessions, support groups and mental health hotlines, can help employees to access the care they need at convenient times. For example, 35% of Maven members' appointments occur outside of standard doctor's office hours.

Additional resources for specific mental health concerns and situations can further tailor support to meet the diverse needs of your workforce. 34% of people, for instance, would like their employer to provide fertility counseling for employees who are struggling with their fertility.

Training and workshops for employees and managers

Training programs that raise awareness about mental health issues are vital, yet 70% of senior-level employees say they have received no training about how to talk to their team about mental health.

These programs educate employees and managers about recognizing signs of mental health struggles and how to respond appropriately, fostering a more understanding and supportive workplace. 83% of employees agree mental health and well-being training is, or would be, important in fostering a positive workplace culture. 36% feel managers should be trained on fertility issues and how to address conversations with colleagues.

Workshops that focus on stress management and resilience-building can also equip employees with practical tools to handle stress and maintain mental well-being. These sessions can include techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management strategies.

Creating a supportive work environment

Many studies indicate that a poor work-life balance is detrimental to health, with one revealing that nine in 10 women have experienced mental health issues as a result of a poor work-life balance. Implementing policies and creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance is essential for the mental health of employees.

This support could  offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and ensuring employees have adequate time off to recharge. For those going through fertility treatment, 77% say that flexible working to allow them to attend appointments would be beneficial.

A supportive work environment is one where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues without fear of stigma yet 75% of employers acknowledge the presence of stigma in their organization. Encouraging open conversations and providing support networks within the workplace can create a more inclusive and supportive culture.

Financial and insurance support

Comprehensive health insurance plans that include mental health coverage are critical. This ensures employees can afford the health care they need without financial strain.

Beyond insurance, providing direct financial assistance for mental health treatments can make a significant difference. This can include subsidies for therapy sessions or covering costs for medications and other treatments.

Supporting mental health during family building is crucial, and recognizing the financial strain of fertility treatment is paramount to this. 78% of couples get into debt over fertility treatment and this has a detrimental impact on their mental health. To help alleviate this, 58% of people would like their employers to offer paid compassionate leave and 41% want financial support for fertility treatment.

Employers can partner with third-party vendors to offer specialized mental health services. These vendors can provide resources and support for fertility treatments, adoption processes, menopause, and other reproductive health challenges, ensuring employees have comprehensive mental health support throughout their journey.

Implementing and maintaining mental health programs

Implementing and maintaining effective mental health benefits requires a structured approach that includes assessing needs, developing strategies, promoting initiatives, and evaluating effectiveness. Here’s how to ensure your program is successful and sustainable.

Assessing the needs of your workforce

Use surveys, focus groups and feedback sessions to gather insights directly from employees about their mental health needs and preferences. This will help you to tailor programs to meet actual demands. Analyze survey data to pinpoint common stressors and mental health challenges within your workforce. This information is crucial for developing targeted support strategies that will assist employees effectively.

Developing a comprehensive mental health strategy

Define clear, achievable goals and objectives for your mental health program. This will provide direction and help measure the success of any programs you implement. Engage key stakeholders, including HR, management, and employee representatives, in planning and decision-making to ensure the program addresses diverse needs and has broad support.

Promoting and communicating mental health initiatives

Utilize multiple communication channels, such as emails, newsletters, and meetings to inform employees about available mental health resources and initiatives. Clear, consistent messaging is essential and you must ensure that employees know how to access the support available.

Encourage employees to participate in workplace mental health programs and provide feedback on their member experience. This helps improve engagement and ensures the programs are meeting their needs.

Evaluating the effectiveness of mental health programs

Regularly monitor and measure the outcomes of your mental health programs using metrics such as service utilization, employee satisfaction, productivity, and absenteeism rates. Use feedback and evaluation results to make necessary adjustments to the programs. This will help ensure high-quality support that continues to meet the evolving needs of your workforce.

Supporting employee mental health with Maven

Employee mental health programs are essential for fostering a healthy, productive workplace. These programs not only improve individual employee wellness but also enhance overall organizational success by reducing absenteeism, lowering turnover rates, improving job performance, and boosting morale.

Investing in mental health initiatives is a strategic move that benefits both employees and employers. Specialized providers like Maven Clinic can play a crucial role in implementing these programs, offering expertise and resources to ensure they meet the specific needs of the workforce along their reproductive health journeys. 96% of Maven Fertility & Family Building members are more loyal to their employer and 33% of our members report being able to better manage anxiety/depression. To find out more about how we are helping employers deliver better mental health outcomes for all, book a demo today.