Mental wellness initiatives continue to grow
With some workers heading back to the office and others continuing to work remotely, providing employees with mental health options has never been more important. There are many layers of stress involved in everyone’s day-to-day lives. Having a company that provides mental wellness benefits to help cope is excellent for employees.
Within mental wellness, there are many options for companies to consider when setting up a program. Stress management is always at the top of mind in the office. Many people have developed anxiety from the spread of Covid-19. Other people may want help in having a better work-life balance, especially those working hybrid or remote. And, of course, ongoing counseling and therapy are important too.
The new reality for programs
In the past, companies would set up mental health programs on-site or nearby. As businesses continue to use remote and hybrid work environments, they’ll have to find new ways to provide the right mental wellness initiatives to make them accessible for all employees. Telemedicine programs, for example, might be better investments than bringing therapists on-site now.
Focus on employees
During the pandemic, many companies increased mental health offerings. The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions reported that about half of the companies it surveyed said they were providing mental health programs because of the pandemic.
Mental wellness programs can help employees in several different situations. It will be helpful to employees dealing with anxiety and haven’t worked in the office for the first time in over a year. Some may be fearful of Covid. Others may be leaving children or parents behind after taking care of them during the past year. And some people see improvements in their lives because of ongoing therapy.
Companies are encouraged to get a better understanding of what’s on in the minds of their employees. For example, are they anxious about returning to the office? What about their life outside of the office? Is it overwhelming? The additions of EAP programs, virtual care, apps, and other offerings will only serve to help employees during what is expected to be a difficult transition period in 2021.
Another way to help employees is by providing commuter benefits. Commuter benefits can be used for qualified parking and mass transit. Employees save money on commuting costs and businesses will save on payroll tax.
If you are interested in learning more about commuter benefits, visit our website at www.commuterbenefits.com.
