The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just affecting employees’ physical health—it’s impacting their mental health as well. 45% of adults say that the pandemic is affecting them mentally, and concerns about personal finances and job security are taking a toll.
All too often, the stigma associated with mental health can prevent employees from finding the care they need. And neglecting mental health comes at a significant cost for both employees and employers. Depression affects more than 264 million people globally. It’s also the leading cause of disability worldwide, costing over $210 billion in absenteeism, reduced productivity, and medical costs each year.
The good news is that many employers are shifting their focus to highlight employee benefits that address these concerns:
1. We’ve updated ALEX with new mental health content
The world keeps on evolving, and ALEX does too. We’re constantly updating ALEX with new content to address current employee needs and share new benefits tips—mental health resources included. And if you’re looking for a quick way to check in with employees and help them cope during COVID-19, check out the video below. (And share!)
2. ALEX helps employees maximize their benefits year-round
According to recent data, over a third of employees feel their employer isn’t supporting their mental health right now. Often, this perception can be a simple communication problem: you already offer benefits to support your employees’ mental health—they just don’t know about it.
ALEX offers countless resources for employees all year long, to answer common questions and encourage them to take advantage of benefits they may not even know are there (like free counseling sessions or teletherapy). It’s a win-win: employees get the help they need, and your employer perception improves.
3. ALEX helps employees choose the benefits they need most during open enrollment
Open enrollment is right around the corner, and now is the time to start planning. (Get started here!) Employees will be more focused on their benefits than ever, and mental health resources will be a top concern. ALEX improves benefits understanding, through personalized, one-on-one conversations using plain English. Plus, ALEX will help employees seeking mental health support save money—by choosing the health plan that best fits their needs.
Looking for more mental health resources?
Here are a few of our favorites:
Mental health resources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a network of more than 600 local affiliates who work to raise mental health awareness and provide support and education around the country.
Mental health self-assessments: Mental Health America offers resources to help employees better understand their current needs at no cost.
Guided meditations: UCLA Health offers free mindfulness resources to help employees reset throughout the day.
