Mental Health Awareness Month: Maximizing the Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? It's the perfect time to talk about mental health and break down some of the stigma that surrounds it, especially in our workplaces. Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support their employees, but did you know that less than 10% of employees actually use them? That’s a missed opportunity for so many people to get the help they need (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019).

The Reality of EAP Usage

Here's a surprising fact: about 98 percent of mid to large companies in the U.S. have EAPs (Employee Assistance Professionals Association, 2021). These programs provide confidential counseling, support, and referral services for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues. However, despite their availability, a very low number of employees take advantage of them each year (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2020). This gap between what's available and what's used is something we really need to focus on to improve mental health in the workplace.

Why Leaders Need to Act

Corporate organizational leaders need to recognize the magnitude of the mental health crisis in the United States. Mental health is not synonymous with mental illness (Mental Health America, 2024). Addressing mental health means fostering a supportive environment where employees can thrive. Leaders play a crucial role in normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging employees to use available resources like EAPs. Removing the stigma associated with seeking help is essential for creating a healthier and more productive workforce (American Psychological Association, 2022).

Addressing Imposter Syndrome and Anxiety Through EAPs

Let's talk about two common issues: Imposter Syndrome and workplace anxiety. Imposter Syndrome makes you feel like a fraud, as if you don’t deserve your success, and everyone will eventually find out. Workplace anxiety often involves fear of failure, not meeting expectations, or concerns about job security. Both can seriously affect your performance and well-being (Harvard Business Review, 2023).

EAPs can really help with these issues. They offer access to professional counselors who can assist you in understanding and managing your feelings of fraudulence and anxiety. They also provide training on stress management, confidence building, and other useful topics (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019). The benefits of using EAPs are huge: they can boost your confidence by making you feel supported, which helps reduce Imposter Syndrome. They also enhance productivity through better concentration, less absenteeism, and higher job satisfaction. Plus, reducing anxiety can improve communication and teamwork, strengthening workplace relationships (Harvard Business Review, 2023).

What Can You Do Today!!

So, let’s spread the word and make our work environments supportive and thriving places for everyone. Addressing mental health issues like Imposter Syndrome and anxiety through EAPs can make a huge difference in the lives of many employees. Corporate leaders, it's time to step up and champion mental health awareness in your organizations. By promoting EAPs and removing the stigma around mental health, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported. Let's make it happen!

References

American Psychological Association. (2022). The state of mental health in America. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org

Employee Assistance Professionals Association. (2021). EAP industry profile. Retrieved from https://www.eapassn.org

Harvard Business Review. (2023). The impacts of imposter syndrome on employees. Retrieved from https://www.hbr.org

Mental Health America. (2024). Workplace mental health: Employer resources. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). Mental health by the numbers. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Employee assistance programs. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov