One in five adults have a mental health illness, and more employers are offering behavioral health services on the job or virtually to help. I recommend allowing employees to utilize your mental health services during work hours, without having to take time off, which increases the likelihood they’ll take advantage of the offerings.

Employers should train their managers to have conversations about mental health. When leaders can have better conversations with their teams, employees are more likely to leverage the services.

Consider offering lunch and learns, programs or guest speakers once a month around specific behavioral health topics, such as stress, anxiety or depression; dealing with grief or loss; or overcoming substance misuse. Education is key to creating a cultural shift and increasing utilization. It’s important to also continually remind employees EVERY month about the tools, support and services you offer.

For more tips and advice, read the full blog.

Erin Thase, Marathon Health
Erin Thase, National Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Affairs, Marathon Health

Erin Thase, Ph.D., serves as the National Director of Behavioral Health for Marathon Health. Dr. Thase holds a degree and licensure in school and clinical psychology and has over ten years of experience working in many school, outpatient, and hospital settings. She received her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University and her doctoral degree in School Psychology from Duquesne University.