How Can I Use My Benefits to Help Prevent Employee Burnout?
Since 2020, an unprecedented 35% of workers have reported feeling chronically exhausted or overwhelmed at work. This surge is linked to long hours, hybrid or remote work challenges, and the lack of proper mental health support. Burnout is a significant issue within the workplace, with chronic stress leading to decreased productivity, high turnover rates, and a negative impact on mental health.
As a responsible employer, addressing burnout is not just a compassionate move, but a strategic one. By making employee benefits the cornerstone of your wellness program, you can create a supportive environment where your team thrives.
Employee benefits aren’t just about extended health coverage; they are a powerful tool to promote physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Integrating mental health and wellness resources into your benefits plan ensures your team has the support they need to navigate the challenges of work and life.
Extended health benefits are a critical foundation for employee wellness. Many plans, like the Chambers Plan, now include coverage for mental health services, providing employees access to professionals like psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, and other certified practitioners. This type of coverage makes it easier for employees to seek help for stress, anxiety, or personal struggles without the added layer of worrying about the financial burden.
When mental health support is easily accessible, employees are better equipped to manage their wellbeing. This reduces stress-related absenteeism and helps create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide immediate support for short-term challenges. Whether employees are dealing with workplace stress, family issues, or financial concerns, an EAP connects them with professionals who can provide quick and effective solutions. These programs are not only a lifeline during a crisis, but also a proactive resource to prevent small issues from snowballing into burnout.
Some benefit programs, like the Chambers Plan’s “Whole Person Care,” go beyond the basics, offering resources designed to address the full spectrum of employee wellbeing. This comprehensive approach helps employees feel valued as individuals, not just as workers. By addressing physical, mental, and emotional health together, employers can create an environment where employees feel genuinely supported.
Technology has revolutionized how benefits are delivered, making wellness support more accessible than ever. Apps like MyStrength and HUGR offer personalized mental health resources, helping employees manage stress, build resilience, and navigate personal challenges. These tools are particularly valuable for employees who prefer the convenience of digital support.
Additionally, platforms like the my-benefits app provide employees with access to wellness resources at their fingertips. Whether it’s tracking their benefits usage or engaging with wellness initiatives, these tools make it easier to prioritize health and wellbeing in their daily lives.
Preventing burnout isn’t just about offering benefits—it’s about fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes care and respect. By integrating wellness into your company’s core values, you show employees that their wellbeing matters. Benefits plans with features like the Mental Health Navigator, which provides access to a dedicated team of mental health experts, demonstrate this commitment in a tangible way.
Investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just good for your team – it’s good for your business. When employees feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and loyal. With a well-rounded benefits plan, you can prevent burnout, boost morale, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
