Mental health check-up: 3 things to prioritize

AI SUPPORT: It's clear something needs to change about the way employees engage with their mental health benefits, says Brent Franson , CEO and founder of Most Days, an AI-powered mental health app. Using technology to improve mental health isn't a new idea, but it can be done in tandem with traditional healthcare for better outcomes.?

"We've had this one-size-fits-all access to therapy and have thought that therapy is the silver bullet. It is an important tool, but it's one of many," Franson says. "We need to make sure that we've got options that are helpful for people when therapy isn't the best answer. That's where generative AI and some other technologies can be really interesting and helpful."?

Read more about the role of AI in helping employees improve their well-being: Can AI solve the mental health crisis?

WORKPLACE SAFETY: Eighty-four percent of employees agreed that psychological safety — which is defined as a belief that no one will be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes — was the quality they valued most out of the workplace, according to a 2023 study conducted by Oyster? . It beat out both higher pay and flexible work, making it a worthy investment for employers.?

"If team members fear reprisals, they hesitate to speak up and voice concerns when there is an issue," says Bryan Stallings , chief evangelist at collaboration platform, Lucid Software . "As a result the issue goes unaddressed or the inefficient practices persist, and time and resources continue to go wasted. This can yield significant implications for overall performance."?

Here's how to ensure employees feel comfortable at work: Lack of psychological safety could cost companies up to $15 million a year

CHECK-INS MATTER: Talking about mental health, while crucially important, isn't enough. Training and mental health coverage is required, along with organizational and leadership support. And it all needs to be part of a strategic plan that is aligned with and supported by a comprehensive health and well-being approach.?

Karen Moseley from the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) details how assessments are a key first step in helping employers promote and protect their employees' mental health. Employers can use these readily available assessments to help quantify and improve employee mental health while adhering to the highest standards of confidentiality and data privacy.?

Here's what to know to get your assessment off to a strong start: The role of mental health assessments in employee health and well-being