Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, most employer-sponsored health insurance plans include mental health coverage. But many employers go further — offering extra mental health benefits such as employee assistance programs (EAPs) or wellness apps.
Unfortunately, these valuable offerings often go underused. Why? Many employees either don’t know the benefits exist or don’t understand how to access them.
A 2024 poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Ipsos found:
- Only 53% of U.S. employees know how to access their employer-provided mental health benefits.
- Another 26% aren’t even sure whether their employer offers any such benefits at all.
That means your organization may be investing in benefits that aren’t delivering their full value — unless you take steps to improve awareness.
1. Highlighting Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many employers complement traditional health insurance with employee assistance programs. These confidential, voluntary services support employees and their families in managing:
- Stress and anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Financial or legal concerns
- Personal and work-related issues
EAPs are typically low-cost and high-impact, especially in larger organizations that receive better per-employee pricing.
How to Promote It
To maximize engagement with your EAP:
- Introduce it with intention: Host an organization-wide launch, followed by department-level briefings or webinars.
- Reinforce it regularly: Mention your EAP in benefits emails, staff meetings, onboarding materials, and the internal HR portal.
- Reassure employees: Emphasize that participation is private, confidential, and easy to access.
Clear communication and ongoing visibility are essential to driving participation and value.
2. Mental Health and Wellness Apps
Another growing trend is offering employees free access to mental health or wellness apps. These apps can help users:
- Track and improve mental health
- Practice meditation or mindfulness
- Increase focus and productivity
- Improve sleep routines
- Stay physically active
Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Wellable offer enterprise plans that make these tools affordable to employers.
How to Promote It
- Announce the app enthusiastically — treat it like a perk!
- Highlight its convenience, privacy, and personal benefits.
- Use engaging formats: posters, app demos, contests, or live Q&As.
- Consider gamifying usage with friendly challenges like step competitions or sleep streaks.
When paired with strategic communication, apps can spark conversations about mental health in the workplace and increase awareness of broader support services.
Why It Matters
Supporting employees’ mental health isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a business imperative. Mental well-being directly affects:
- Productivity and performance
- Retention and job satisfaction
- Recruiting top talent
If you’re unsure whether your organization is getting a return on its investment in wellness initiatives, we can help. Contact us for a review of your benefit offerings and communication strategies to ensure you’re getting the most from your mental health programs.
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