Lack Of Mental Health Support Puts Sustained Post-Pandemic Business Continuity At Risk

Mental health support is a critical element of any business continuity plan; without it, employers risk a compounded impact on employee health and productivity. US workers continue to experience rising concern for themselves generally and at work: 50% of respondents are now afraid to go to work, while self-isolation and quarantine have amplified feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, and, for many healthcare workers, PTSD. Unsupported mental health conditions lead to higher medical spend as well as employee absenteeism and presenteeism, which cost US businesses billions annually. In March, a mental health crisis hotline saw an 891% spike in calls compared with the same time last year, demonstrating the urgent need for a more scalable solution for employers. You can start improving the mental health of your workforce by 1) surveying the workforce; 2) identifying the right virtual care partner; 3) supporting mobile as a preferred channel; and 4) seeding the right cultural shift.