Nearly one in five  employees in the U.S. report their mental health is fair or poor. On average, these workers miss 11.8 workdays per year, compared to 2.5 days among employees who rate their mental health as good or excellent.

The personal costs to those suffering can be severe – showing up as anxiety, depression, poor physical health and lack of sleep, among other symptoms.

But the missed work time also adds up economically, costing the U.S. economy an estimated $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity, according to Gallup research.

The work environment plays a critical role in reducing absenteeism and improving mental wellbeing. In May, the TELUS Mental Health Index reported that mental health scores for workers who do not feel supported by their employer are 10 points below the national average.

Through its acquisition of LifeWorks in September 2022, TELUS Health has become a global health and wellbeing leader serving people in more than 160 countries, including the United States. TELUS Health is a relatively new name to some American employers, but it already banks on more than 50 years of U.S.-based experience in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) space, as well as a strong long-term position in Benefits Administration.

For employers, recognizing the wellbeing component to absence rates is crucial, says Neil King, Managing Director, Employer Solutions at TELUS Health.

"According to our research, nearly one third – or about 30 percent – of employees either never felt supported or are not feeling supported in their mental health, and they can be at risk of a prolonged absence," King says. "With the right systems and communications in place, those workers can be reassured that they actually have a workplace that cares about them."

A person-first approach to absence management and a comprehensive EAP helps employers foster productivity, boosts return-to-work rates and improves overall employee productivity. King suggests three focus areas for employers: improved understanding of absence trends, targeted benefits and support, and enhanced tracking technology.

Analyze absences to identify root causes

Absence-management strategies provide support designed to help employees recover and return to work. The support ranges from intervention resources that aid recovery through benefits and tools to help reduce and prevent absences.

"Absence management and tracking ensure you know what's happening with your workforce at all times," King explains. "It's really the epitome of talent management, documenting critical information so you're able to take care of employees and run your business."

Having accessible data and reporting on employee absences enables employers to identify patterns and uncover the underlying causes. Monitoring trends – and their root causes – provides insights that employers can use to proactively address issues through tailored benefits and communications.

Deliver the right support at the right time

While it is crucial to provide employees with a wide range of benefits and support, it remains important to prioritize employee awareness and engagement, particularly in relation to mental health.

"It's not enough for organizations to have good intent and simply make resources available," King says. "A comprehensive communications strategy and a workplace culture that makes it okay to seek assistance are essential elements in reducing absence rates and the corresponding impact on productivity."

Often, employees aren't comfortable talking about mental health with their family and friends. That makes it doubly unlikely they will open up to their manager or coworkers, who lack a truly personal connection. The ability to have a confidential consultation through an EAP can bridge that gap, helping employees tap into the support they need at earlier stages.

Leverage technology for optimal absence management

Technology provides the engine companies need to optimize their absence management strategies. A solid technology platform enables the analytic capabilities to spot and respond to absence trends across employee populations. Technology tools also empower enhanced employee communications, engagement and access.

In addition, technology solutions work behind the scenes, helping employers streamline absence tracking and administration, manage compliance and control costs.

"By seeking out partners that offer best-practice benefits and technology, employers position themselves to minimize the risk of prolonged absence and demonstrate employee care," King says.

While a comprehensive benefit offering creates a strong foundation, effective absence management strategies must also leverage analytics, targeted communications and technology to create a work environment that supports mental wellbeing and positively impacts productivity and return-to-work objectives.

Ann Clifford is a freelance writer who translates her background in financial services marketing into specialized content focused on employee benefits and small business topics.

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) is a global leader now serving people in more than 160 countries, delivering digital innovation and clinical services to improve total physical, mental and financial health and wellbeing across primary and preventive care. For more information, please visit: www.telushealth.com.