Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can help support employee mental health — especially those experiencing a leave

Stress is nothing new. But stressors — including financial, shifts in workplace culture exacerbated by the pandemic, politics, even the weather — are having a real impact on employee mental health. The World Health Organization states the consequences clearly: Depression and anxiety are costing the global economy U.S. $1 trillion each year, predominately through lost productivity.¹ Voya’s own recent research revealed that more than 6-in-10 employed Americans agree their mental health has a direct impact on their ability to perform their job effectively (63%).²

The need for employer mental health support is real

Making mental health a priority among workplace policies is more important than ever — considering that half of all full-time employees say they are somewhat anxious about their mental health.² Another finding from Voya research supports this imperative: More than half of survey respondents agree their employer has a responsibility in ensuring they are mentally healthy and emotionally well (55%).³ Statistics like these highlight the need for organizational support of employee mental health needs, in the form of benefits and well-considered employee leave programs.

EAPs support employees taking leave

For employees who need to take a leave from work to care for a family member or recover from an illness or surgery, they may be under even more stress than usual. That why it’s important for employers to consider supporting employee leave with a high-touch, proactive experience to help make the leave experience as stress-free as possible. This support can include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers convenient and easy access to counseling, referrals, follow-up care — and other workplace mental health benefits — to meet their unique well-being needs.

EAP services are typically provided at no cost to the employee, although the number of sessions and services may be limited. Available services may be delivered in person, by telephone or online — and can help employees by identifying and addressing a wide range of health, financial and social issues.

Mental-health support benefits like EAPs are of value not only to employees, but to employers looking to retain talent in a competitive labor market: 50% of Voya survey respondents said that the availability of mental health benefits increases their likelihood of staying with their current employer.³

Employers see the value of EAPs. But do employees?

In the U.S., 98% of mid to large companies offer EAP programs, yet only 4% of employees use them.⁴ How can employees increase engagement with these helpful programs? Companies can consider:

• Awareness and promotion – Often employees are unaware of the services and resources that are available to them in the workplace. Employers should ensure that their employees are aware of how EAP services can help them respond to work or personal life issues — before they occur.⁴
• Address confidentiality – Employees are more likely to make use of services when they know that their privacy is protected under federal and state regulations. It is up to employers to communicate to employees that they can seek help in a confidential and secure manner.⁴
• Training mid-level management – Organizations should offer mid-level managers training on available EAP services, and general workplace resources. Mid-level managers interact with their team daily and are in a better position to identify any personal or professional issues affecting team members.⁴

The coverage Voya offers supports leave with mental health benefits like EAP

With Group Term Life Insurance coverage, employers can choose to include an EAP to help support the mental health and well-being of employees and their dependents:

• Provided by ComPsych Corporation® GuidanceResources®, Chicago, IL, EAP resources include confidential emotional support, online support, work-life solutions, legal guidance and financial resources.
• Employees receive 24/7 access to masters-level clinicians, access to a worldwide network of licensed counselors and in-person and virtual counseling sessions — with video, chat and text options.
• Employers have access to 117,000+ credentialed providers, manager consultations, and program communications and utilization reporting.

Voya also recognizes the need for additional mental health resources in the workplace and is adding benefits to the Supplemental Health Insurance we offer, such as:

• Accident Insurance – Enhancements include mental health therapy benefits for those who experience a covered accident and go for follow-up therapy services, as well as access to a concierge advocacy program through the non-insurance service Health Champion Plus® and Health Champion Plus® with CCBT (computerized cognitive benefit therapy). Health Champion Plus® and Health Champion Plus® with CCBT services are provided by ComPsych® Corporation, Chicago, IL.
• Critical Illness Insurance – A new benefit rider for mental illness diagnoses can pay an additional benefit percentage for a covered condition. (Note: Critical Illness may be referred to as Specified Disease in some states.)
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance – Employers can elect to include benefits for covered mental illness hospitalization (including alcohol and drug abuse), as well as covered rehabilitation facilities. 
• Voya Protect – Group Limited Benefit Insurance – Has an optional mental illness rider that provides flat benefits for covered mental illnesses. 

With mental health in the workplace an increasingly top-of-mind issue for both employees and employers, offering mental health benefits has become a business imperative that’s good for employees and a company’s bottom line. These benefits can go a long way toward helping to improve employee morale and creating a culture where employees feel seen, understood, and supported. Particularly when an employee needs time away from work to address mental health issues, EAPs and other workplace mental health benefits can offer support and resources to employees on their journey, both during and after leave.

To learn more about our Leave Management services and Disability coverage, EAP and other workplace mental health solutions, contact your Voya representative today.

Read related articles:

• 3 ways employers can reimagine workplace mental health benefits
• How EAPs are turning to technology to support employee mental health
• Voluntary Benefits: The mental health-financial wellness connection