Outside of the standard employee assistance programs that offer services to support employees in managing work-related stressors, employers are getting creative in offering personalized behavioral health support to their employees and their family members. Practical strategies of successful programs include:

Flexible – Help employees reduce stress and balance their personal and professional lives by offering flexible work schedules, the opportunity to work remotely when possible, and encourage employees to take their personal time off days.
Educate – Raise awareness and educate employees about mental health through communication channels, mental health workshops, and training sessions that help them understand conditions, recognize symptoms and know when to ask for help, and offer strategies to manage stress and build coping skills and resilience.
Personalize – The most impactful programs offer a personalized approach that creates a culture of inclusion and prioritizes recognition and gratitude.
Involve senior management – Engage supervisors to create a workplace culture supportive of mental health by promoting work-life balance and encouraging open communication.
Partner with experts – Collaborate with mental health organizations to offer quality training, education, and mentoring such as partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to conduct on-site mental health training for managers. Once trained, managers are prepared to handle on-site emergencies as well as help employees and family members access available resources when needed.
Support whole person – Address all aspects of wellbeing and incorporate activities that encourage healthy habits like exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep and practicing mindfulness.
Reduce stigma – Normalize the conversation and reduce mental health stigma. Foster a workplace culture that reduces stigma around mental health issues and encourages open conversations. One of the ways our employer members have achieved this is through storytelling.

Every workplace is unique, so it's essential to tailor programs and activities to suit your employees' specific needs and preferences. The most impactful programs are those where employers regularly seek feedback from employees to gauge the effectiveness of available resources and make improvements accordingly.

Instant Insights /

Employers can better meet employee needs for mental health support

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