Organizations lose an estimated 200 million work days each year due to mental health conditions, translating to a $16.8 billion loss in employee productivity.1 Yet, because of the stigma around mental health, many employees just don’t feel comfortable seeking treatment at the workplace. We recently partnered with Beyond Well Solutions to give WebMD ONE participants access to an on-demand library of private, custom podcasts on a range of mental health topics.
A persistent stigma around mental health prevents employees from opening up.
Despite the fact that one in five adults will experience a mental health condition in a given year, few feel safe opening up about their experiences with colleagues or employers.2 Instead, they hide what’s going on and are more likely to call in physically “sick,” versus admitting they need time off to tend to their emotional health.3
Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health is even more of a concern. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll, nearly half (45%) of adults in the U.S. report that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus.4
As the pandemic wears on, this mental health burden will likely increase as measures like social distancing, business and school closures, and shelter-in-place orders lead to greater isolation and potential financial distress.
Beyond Well Solutions offers the privacy, accessibility and affordability employees need—now and in the future.
Podcasts are an excellent medium for mental health support, since individuals can listen in the privacy of their own home or during their commute—whenever and wherever it makes sense for them. No one needs to know they’re accessing the podcasts, minimizing concerns of being “outed.” And, while not a complete substitute, they provide a valuable resource for those who can’t afford therapy.
Beyond Well Solutions podcasts are available on a desktop computer or any mobile device, right on the WebMD ONE platform. New podcasts are released each week. Employees can choose from a range of topics like:
- COVID-19 stress
- Anxiety
- Company downsizing
- Coping
- Creating balance
- Caring for the caregiver
- Dealing with insomnia
- Domestic violence
Resources like Beyond Well Solutions show your organization’s commitment to mental health.
Studies show employees want their employers to be more open and accepting about mental health, and desire clearer information about where to go or who to ask for support. 5 Providing access to mental health resources, like Beyond Well Solutions, demonstrates your organization’s understanding of the importance of mental health concerns and your commitment to helping.
Mental health resources can also act as an entry point to other resources your organization offers. For example, WebMD ONE clients and their organizations have access to other mental wellness solutions besides podcasts, including phone calls with stress specialists via WebMD Coaching and a Daily Habits Plan called Coping with the Blues.
These resources can even boost the utilization of one of the least-used employee benefits—the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Despite a wide array of behavioral health services available through an EAP, the Society for Human Resources estimates that less than 10% of employees actually use the service.6 Beyond Well Solutions drives engagement with and utilization of EAP services by directing employees immediately to the EAP after they listen to a podcast.
A team of leading mental health professionals provides help and inspiration.
Beyond Well Solutions, founded by renowned journalist and author on issues of mental health, Sheila Hamilton, features a team of licensed clinical psychologists. The podcasts offer a source of inspiration and motivation, and give employees the tools to engage in self-exploration and discovery.
With re-openings and returning to work on the horizon, it’s likely stress and other mental health concerns will increase as employees worry about their safety—making access to mental health resources critical. For more information on how Beyond Well Solutions can help your organization address mental health concerns, contact us at connect@webmd.com.
Related Content:
- Webinar: Breaking Down the Stigma of Mental Health in the Workplace
- Blog: Supporting Mental Well-Being in This Moment
- Blog: Checking Up on Women’s Well-Being
