I think the following raises some excellent tools for employees' well-being. I’ve included a few of the highlights for you to get the gist of the article:

Employee mental health deteriorated as a result of the pandemic. In fact, a recent survey showed only half (52%) of employees would describe their mental health as good, compared to 66% in early 2020, showing a 14% drop since the pandemic.

As a result, we’ve seen many businesses quickly introduce new policies and technologies to try and combat the effects that the pandemic has had on employee wellbeing. However, while it’s important businesses act quickly to help their employees, they should take stock to ensure they’re bringing in the right tools and initiatives that are fit for purpose and will actually make a tangible difference.

The ability to choose

Businesses should look to offer a wide range of services, such as therapy, counselling, or mindfulness and life coaching. This means employees can figure out what approach works best for them – after all – there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Although, typically solution providers offer just one or two of these services, which leaves many employees out in the cold. Technology which brings together all of these services into one place is out there, HR leaders just need to go out and find the right ones for their business.

Changing the way we pay

Businesses should also look at where they are getting their services from and how they’re paying for them. Most businesses offer the standard Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which have set services on offer to each employee, meaning everyone receives the same mental health support. EAPs charge a flat monthly rate, so the amount being spent a month by the business does not change if employee’s mental health starts to improve and they use the service less. Not only does this give no opportunity for measuring success within the business, but gives no incentive for business leaders to invest in mental health, as they will be spending the money regardless of the state of their employee’s mental wellbeing.

No more barriers

Businesses need to truly understand the services and technologies they are offering their employees if they are to best help their teams. And this starts with recognising that there will never be a one size fits all approach to mental wellbeing – mental health affects people in many different ways.

Employers will know they have brought in the right wellbeing services because they will not only be built for use by all employees, but they will actively motivate senior management to invest in employee mental health. Having incorrect or inadequate services in place only acts to hinder the employee and is a waste of HR time and resources.

Do you need more detail on this subject? Head on over to the full article HERE for more ideas and perspectives. Afterward, why not drop me an email to share your thoughts guy.linkedva@gmail.com