Lexicon Strategies
We're the leading team of expert strategists working for you.
0
danae-paparis-cj6Am4O7YJs-unsplash.jpg

The Latest

We are proud of our deep industry knowledge & track record of delivery, working with Fortune 100 companies, top universities, non-profits, & the public sector.

Breaking Barriers, Boosting Productivity: Unleashing Collaborative Solutions for Workplace Behavioral Health Care

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. The statistics speak of a public healthcare crisis: one in five American adults experience mental illness (National Institute of Mental Health), yet one-third of them do not receive the treatment they need (CDC). 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services defines behavioral health as encompassing “traditional mental health and substance use disorders, as well as overall psychological well-being.”

Disturbingly, almost 60% of young people with major depression remain untreated (Mental Health America). These disparities in access to mental health services, increased by the pandemic, perpetuate the crisis and there are detrimental effects on individuals (me, you) and communities (us).

Several challenges exacerbate this crisis, including A) stigma, B) inequitable access, C) fragmentation and complexity of the care system, D) high costs, and E) inconsistency in care quality. Stigma prevents individuals from seeking the care they require, leading to decreased productivity. Inequitable access to mental health services and biases within the system further intensifies the problem.

The fragmented nature of the mental healthcare ecosystem, where different stakeholders (from community organizations to employers, all the way to policymakers and research institutions) work in isolated "echo chambers," limits the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices. Additionally, the exorbitant cost of mental health care and the lack of consistent and vetted care contribute to the challenges.

A 2022 McKinsey survey revealed that 59% of employees have experienced mental health challenges, yet the utilization of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) remains below 5% due to stigma and a lack of awareness. However, studies have shown that workers who use EAPs experience a 27% drop in absenteeism, highlighting the potential benefits of these programs.

Employers are paying a high cost – direct or indirect - for mental health issues. Lost productivity costs a staggering $1 trillion per year globally (WHO), while employees with mental health disorders can cost up to twice as much as those without such disorders in terms of healthcare expenses (NCBI). Employees with mental health issues are twice as likely to leave their jobs (Gallup), leading to increased turnover costs (replacement can cost 0.5x-2x the lost employee's salary). Absenteeism and presenteeism (performing poorly while in the office) resulting from depression alone cost employers up to $44 billion annually (CDC).

I recently spoke with Robyn Hussa Farrell, an expert in public health and the CEO of the digital therapeutics platform Sharpen. She emphasized the crucial need for human connection in addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Robyn said: “Employees stay isolated, in fear they could be demoted or fired for showing the need for mental health assistance.” She shared the results of a recent study she conducted, in which CHRO executives expressed their wanting “on-demand coaching to address the majority of calls they receive regarding employee loneliness and isolation.”. 

Robyn stressed: “We must create a safe space for employees to normalize the daily conversation about mental health.” 

To tackle these challenges, employers can invest in prevention and intervention efforts, yielding significant savings. Employers can adopt a 4T framework comprising these key areas:

  1. Talk - By removing stigma and providing safe spaces for employees to share their experiences, employers can promote open dialogue

  2. Test - Validated screening tools enable the identification of individuals in need of assistance.

  3. Train - Offering access to evidence-based learning resources allows employees to gain valuable knowledge.

  4. Triage - Lastly, effective triage connects them with appropriate support systems.

Investing in mental health care yields a positive return on investment (ROI). For every dollar invested in evidence-based prevention programs, employers can save $2-$4 on other expenses (the Lancet, WHO, et. al). Prevention efforts alone offer an ROI of $14-$18 for each dollar spent, as per SAMHSA.

Addressing mental health challenges in a holistic and sustainable manner requires transcending echo-chamber (silos). Collaborative efforts within the wider ecosystem (beyond the individual organization) can achieve substantial impact through partnerships, collaborations, and coordinated efforts. By pooling knowledge, resources, and support, company and community stakeholders can collectively work towards improved mental health outcomes.

By acknowledging the importance of collaboration, employers can make significant strides in enhancing mental health care in the workplace. By combating stigma (with “Talk”), investing in prevention (by “Testing” first), improving access and knowledge (via “Train”, using vetted resources), and fostering an integrated care system (with effective “Triage”, internal and external), employers can positively impact individuals' well-being and overall business success.

by Amelia SchaffnerBryan Leavoy