Workplace wellness plans continue to be a trending benefit. Inbusinesses of all sizes, active commute groups, on-site dieticians,fitness classes and healthy snack options areemerging.

But what may be missing from these wellness programs? What about benefitsthat not only address the physical health of the employee – butones that address the financial and emotional side as well?

Few events in life are more stressful than legal ones. And,studies have shown that employees cannot be physically healthy ifthey are not mentally healthy. The stress that comes from anunexpected legal situation – like a divorce or bankruptcy – can eataway at mental health like few other events.

Incorporating a legal insurance plan into workplacewellness programs serves mental and financial wellness needs inmuch the same way fitness classes aim to address the physicalhealth. Offering employees professional legal advice to help themassert their legal rights provides a more comprehensive wellnessprogram.

A truly comprehensive wellness plan will address the wholeperson – letting them focus on their job, rather than theirstressors.

What exactly is legal insurance?

Everyone encounters legal issues in life, but at $347 an hourfor legal services, based on “The 43^rd AnnualSurvey of Law Firm Economics: 2015 Edition, not everyone hasthe means to deal with them. So what bridges the gap betweenprofessional legal advice and an inability to pay for it? That’swhere legal insurance comes in.

Think of legal insurance much like health insurance. In exchangefor a low monthly premium – usually around $20 a month – legal planmembers can have access to a nationwide network of attorneys, whocan:

• Advise and consult on legal issues

• Review or prepare documents

• Make follow-up calls or write letters

• Represent you, if needed

In addition to the attorney services, legal plans can also offerthe ability to create customizable legal documents and access toonline educational tools and resources.

How does it work?

If an employee is buying a house, adopting a child, dealing witha contractor dispute, he or she can enlist the services of anattorney in the legal plan network. With a legal insurance plan,employees are connected to a strong network of attorneys to helpthem with legal issues, big or small. From document reviews toface-to-face consultations, they can find help at a time they needit most. In return, employers are assured that their employees arenot stressed or distracted by legal issues and able to work attheir productive peak.