Benefits expert: Why investing in mental health support pays off

Investing in mental health support for employees pays off, HR expert says

What you probably already know: The pandemic dramatically increased everyone’s awareness of mental health challenges, particular when it comes to dealing with those issues at work. Elle Meza, a HR benefits consultant and former executive at Crunchyroll and Docusign, says that’s increased benefits considerably across many companies — and it’s starting to pay off.

Why? “It has really allowed people the permission to say ‘I’m not OK,’ and we reduced the stigma as much as possible,” Meza said. That impacted everyone, from executives on down, which resulted in meaningful change at many companies. Some began to align Employee Assistance Programs with their diversity, equity and inclusion work, facilitating connections between therapists who work with the LGBTQ community, for example, with employees who identify as part of that community.

What it means: Employees now expect a certain amount of mental health coverage as part of their benefits. And it can pay off for employers. “This is a long game,” Meza said. “We’re hoping that investing in mental health now means that those employees who are here three years from now are avoiding things like hypertension and sleep issues because they got the help they need.”

What happens now? Employees at companies with strong mental health program tend to stick with their companies longer and are more productive while they’re there, according to numerous studies. Younger employees, in particular, expect to see mental health support as part of their benefits. For more on women-focused benefits companies are adopting, check out our previous conversation with Meza.