Benefit needs and priorities, however, vary among employees. For example, what is important to millennials will likely differ from those living in a sandwich generation—taking care of young family members and aging parents—and those close to retirement. Understanding that one size does not fit all means addressing behavioral health needs by offering diverse, flexible and adaptable behavioral health services. Here are a few opportunities:

Foster a stigma-free work environment. Organizations can foster a supportive environment by promoting open dialogue about mental health. Coupled with education initiatives, this helps ensure that employees and their families understand and feel comfortable accessing the mental health services they need.
Educate on virtual behavioral care services. While many benefit plans provide virtual behavioral health services to their employees, education on access, convenience and the range of behavioral health services for all members of the family is essential and requires ongoing communications.
Offer flex time. Provide employees with flex-time opportunities to address family members' mental health issues, such as accompanying a child, spouse, partner or other family member to a therapy session.
Go beyond benefit packages. In addition to core behavioral health services and employee assistance programs, companies have the opportunity to implement non-traditional perks that support mental wellbeing, such as promoting and honoring a one-hour "pause" in the day for lunch, exercise, meditation or any other activity to recharge, as well as paid mental health days off to spend with family or friends.

Addressing family mental health is not just the right thing to do; it is a business imperative. A comprehensive approach that recognizes the need for diverse, flexible and adaptable whole-family mental health services can significantly boost productivity. By understanding the critical connection between family mental health and workplace performance, companies can more effectively build a resilient, engaged and productive workforce.

Instant Insights /

Why solving family mental health is a business imperative

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