Description

Mental health and substance abuse have been issues in the workforce for decades, but the pandemic has made the situation critical. Jobs and their essential functions are typically designed for workers in optimal health, but not all workers show up that way. Millions of Americans struggle with mental health and substance use (alcohol or drug) conditions, but often don’t get the proper treatment or support they need. Since these behavioral health conditions are becoming increasingly common over the course of the pandemic, employers benefit when they are prepared and knowledgeable about them. Knowledgeable employers can identify and discuss solutions with employees that lead to better work performance. Prepared employers can help their supervisors respond appropriately when needed; support employees to perform at their best; and maintain compliance with appropriate regulations. Behavioral health conditions typically progress through five stages. This session will describe the predictable sequence of impacts and events that occur as symptoms emerge and provide a map for supervisors whose employees are experiencing behavioral health conditions, connecting those stages to employer-sponsored benefit offerings. Disability carriers can provide employers specific services and tactics to address these challenges. Disability carriers employ licensed professionals to assist with identifying appropriate accommodation options for limitations & restrictions related to behavioral health conditions, and to support companies as they implement programs to address specific challenges they face supporting employee mental wellbeing.