Mental illness is rarely discussed in the workplace. But it’s one of the top causes of worker disability in the United States, according to a report from Unum. In fact, 62 percent of employees have experienced a period of feeling mentally unwell. These statistics reveal how challenging it can be to address mental health at work:
- 61 percent of employees say there’s a stigma about mental health issues in the workplace
- 55 percent of employees say their employer has no mental health program or they don’t know if one exists. That figure is 52 percent for human resource professionals
The report offers these tips to address mental health:
- Encourage leadership to focus on mental health awareness
- Conduct health fairs that offer mental health education and resources
- Train managers to detect mental health issues
- Design mental health policies and programs that reduce fear, stigma, and discrimination
- If necessary, consult with the ADA coordinator or internal counsel
- Identify barriers and focus on solutions for workers to return to work earlier
- Manage return to work in the same manner as any other medical condition
- Avoid getting caught up in whether an illness is “real”
The report also suggests promoting the availability of EAPs and related resources. EAPs provide free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services. They can offer an early line of defense by addressing addictions, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders. Counselors also help managers respond to organizational challenges and needs.
Unum and CoPower have partnered to bring employers life and disability coverages that include an EAP.
For more information, please contact:
Rodney Mattos
CoPower Regional Sales Manager
Email: rmattos@copower.com
Phone: 916.261.9280
Schedule an Appointment with Rodney
or
Jason Diffenauer
CoPower Sales Account Manager
Email: jdiffenauer@copower.com
Phone: 650.931.1731