Employers report less absenteeism and low turnover
More employers have adopted programs to support their employees in looking after their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Among these include digital options to see through not only physical symptoms and determine possible illnesses, but also for caring for emotional and mental health—ensuring mind-body connection, promoting patient empowerment, and looking for preventative care.
A report by BenefitsPRO.com has revealed the importance of supporting employees’ mental health with nearly half (42%) of those diagnosed with cancer and nearly 1 in 5 people with a heart ailment facing mental health challenges apart from their physical disease. One-third of people diagnosed with a chronic disease reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
Other data echoed these findings as the majority of employees (81%) look into employers’ approach to behavioral health benefits when considering the company for employment. Employers have concurred, as they reported less absenteeism and low turnover can be observed by offering comprehensive health benefits.
Digital health has experienced a surge in growth in recent years as a result of widespread adoption of virtual consultation impelled by lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among these include the enablement of health-monitoring features in smart watches and the innovation of wearable health tech, virtual health education, remote monitoring solutions, and tele-consultations, and virtual peer support.
Large healthcare payers Cigna, Anthem and UnitedHealthcare are among those who incorporated virtual mental healthcare support services to their coverage.
A study has revealed 1 in 18 people visiting the emergency department is misdiagnosed. Virtual second opinions have shown to help minimize misdiagnosis. This service often results in not only treatment changes but also savings. Employees who live in geographically remote areas and might have limited access to some specialists would be able to have this access to special health services, potentially removing the stress from having to follow up on their care.
As noted by a Harvard Business Review report, “Mental health support went from a nice-to-have to a true business imperative.”
