How tech can help you support your team’s mental health (2023)
The UK has seen an increase in people acknowledging and addressing their unique experiences with mental health in recent years. It's positive to see that more workers and employers are taking mental health seriously and taking steps to support people with different mental health needs.
According to a survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, over 74% of adults in the UK have felt so stressed at some point over the past year that they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. However, this has led to many businesses exploring new and innovative ways to support their employees' mental health. In this article, we will explore five mental health tools for businesses in 2023 that can help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues in unique and positive ways.
1. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are workplace benefits that provide confidential counselling services to employees to help them manage personal and work-related issues. These programs typically include short-term counselling, crisis management, and referrals to other resources as needed.
EAPs are becoming increasingly popular among companies, both large and small, as a way to support their employees' mental health needs. For example, Unilever, a global consumer goods company, offers its employees access to an EAP that includes counselling, legal and financial advice, and work-life resources. Unilever reports that the program has helped to reduce absenteeism and increase employee engagement.
Another example is Hilton Worldwide, which offers its employees access to an EAP that includes counselling, wellness coaching, and legal and financial advice.
EAPs can be a valuable tool for businesses to support their employees' mental health needs. They provide employees with a safe and confidential space to discuss personal and work-related issues and can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
EAPs are typically offered as part of an employee benefits package and are often free or subsidized by the employer.
2. Mental Health Apps
Mental health apps are becoming an increasingly popular tool for individuals to manage their mental health and well-being. These apps offer a range of features, including meditation, stress management, mood tracking, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques.
In recent years, companies have also started offering mental health apps to their employees as part of their benefits package.
One popular example is Headspace, a mindfulness app that provides guided meditations and exercises to help users manage stress and anxiety. The app has been used by a range of companies, including Adobe, Ericsson, and Western Union, to offer their employees a tool to manage their mental health.
Another example is Woebot, an AI-powered chatbot that uses CBT techniques to help users manage their mental health.
Companies can provide mental health apps to their employees in a variety of ways. Some may offer free access to the app as part of their benefits package, while others may subsidize the cost of the app for their employees. By providing access to mental health apps, companies can offer their employees a convenient and accessible way to manage their mental health and well-being, which can help to improve productivity and reduce absenteeism.
3. Digital Counselling Services
Digital counselling services, such as BetterHelp and Talkspace, offer users the opportunity to connect with licensed mental health professionals through a secure online platform. These services can be a convenient and accessible way for individuals to receive mental health support, particularly for those who may not have access to traditional face-to-face therapy.
Many companies have started offering digital counselling services as part of their employee benefits packages. For example, Starbucks offers its employees access to Lyra Health, a digital mental health service that offers counselling, coaching, and medication management.
Another example is Buzzfeed, which offers its employees access to Ginger, a digital mental health platform that provides coaching, therapy, and psychiatry services.
These services have been particularly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, with employees using them to manage stress and anxiety related to the pandemic. Digital counselling services are typically offered as part of an employee benefits package, and some companies may subsidize the cost of the service for their employees.
By offering digital counselling services, companies can provide their employees with a convenient and accessible way to receive mental health support.
4. Understanding Mental Health through Data Analytics Tools
Mental health data analytics tools provide companies with valuable insights into the mental health needs of their employees. These tools can help HR teams identify trends and patterns in employee mental health, which can inform the development of targeted mental health initiatives and support programs.
One popular example is Spring Health, a mental health platform that uses predictive analytics to identify employees who may be at risk of mental health issues. The platform provides personalized mental health support to these employees, including access to therapy and medication management.
Companies can use mental health data analytics tools to identify areas where they may need to provide additional mental health support, such as high-stress departments or teams. By providing targeted mental health support, companies can help to prevent burnout and reduce absenteeism.
Mental health data analytics tools are typically offered as a subscription-based service, with the cost depending on the size of the company and the level of service required.
By investing in mental health data analytics tools, companies can gain valuable insights into employee mental health needs, which can inform the development of effective mental health initiatives and support programs.
The Sum up
Mental health support has become an essential component of many companies' benefits packages –and for good reason. By providing employees with access to mental health resources like EAPs, mental health apps, digital counselling services, and mental health data analytics tools, companies can support their employees' mental health and improve overall well-being.
As companies continue to prioritize mental health support, it's essential to consider which options work best for their employees' needs and the company's budget. Ultimately, prioritizing mental health support can lead to a more productive, engaged, and healthy workforce.