As we take stock of the progress that’s been made in recent years to support mental health, it’s important to remember that there is still much work to be done when it comes to workplace attitudes and policies. One way that employers can support employee mental health is by going beyond compliance with the Mental Health Parity Act and implementing best practices for mental health support. This includes training managers on how to identify and respond to signs of distress, offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and creating a positive work environment that reduces stigma around mental health conditions. Implementing these best practices will not only benefit employees, but also contribute to a more productive and profitable workplace.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires that large group health plans provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that is comparable to coverage for physical health conditions. Many group health insurance plans are not in compliance, denying coverage for things such as applied behavioral therapy and addiction services. This leaves patients facing the full cost of their treatments themselves- an unfair burden!
Employers need to take action to support employee mental health beyond simply complying with the law. By creating a workplace culture that supports mental health, employers can improve employee wellbeing and company culture. In order to comply with the mental health parity act, many employers are offering their employees mental health benefits. While this is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to supporting employee mental health. In order to create this culture in the workplace, employers need to go beyond compliance and take a holistic approach to support employee mental health.
One way to do this is by providing employees with access to resources like counseling or therapy. Other ways to promote mental health in the workplace are to offer flexible work arrangements, provide training on how to deal with stress, and establish an open dialogue about mental health within the organization. Creating an environment that supports mental health in the workplace is essential to the success of any business. By going beyond compliance, employers can create a work environment that supports employee mental health. If you have any questions, please visit our website or reach out to one of our benefit team members to learn more.
