Over 80 stakeholders participated in MBGH's April 24, 2019 session designed to explore the components of a comprehensive worksite mental health strategy. Moving from component to component in small groups gave attendees a chance to share and learn from each other and think strategically about how to design benefits and well-being programs to support emotional health.
Take these steps to implement a comprehensive mental health strategy and consider adopting actions shared by other Memphis-area employers at our session!
(1) Know the Impact: Use wellness champions to understand personal impact on employees; include questions on employee surveys; track reasons for EAP utilization; analyze health benefit claims (medical and pharmacy);
(2) Break the Silence: Hold lunch-n-learns and seminars; provide management training; offer mindfulness/resilience programs; coordinate with HR policies/procedures
(3) Provide Access to Affordable, High-Value Care: Offer some provider visits at no cost; provide tele-behavioral health; coordinate vendors for cross-referrals; communicate frequently the resources that are available
(4) Build a Culture of Well-being: Use the term "emotional health" vs "mental health"; elevate recognition and status of wellness champions and councils; provide health coaches; coordinate with community organizations
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, what better time than this to evaluate your mental health strategy to be sure you are addressing all four of these components!
Check out mental health resources to help you implement a strategy on MBGH's blog here.