2024 Mental Health and Well-Being Issue

Mental Health and
Well-Being

April-May 2024

There is increasing pressure on employers to invest more strategically in the mental health and well-being of their employees, and this issue of DMEC’s @Work magazine includes guidance on high-level strategy as well as practical implementation. Read about creating a business case for mental health investments, how to use benchmarking tools to identify whether employers are investing enough to stay competitive, how to customize benefits to suit the needs of diverse employee groups, and why social determinants of health should be part of all health discussions. Readers will also find an article about ways to ensure an artificial intelligence boon for integrated disability absence management professionals, podcast episodes, and more!

The CEO’s Desk

A Clarion Call to Eliminate the Invisible Burden of Mental Health

We’ve made commendable strides in how employers perceive and invest in mental health. However, our current efforts, while notable, are still not enough. The stakes are incredibly high and we have every reason to accelerate our efforts. Read more.

Features

Adjusting Mental Health Accommodations Can Make a Meaningful Difference for Employees

Adjusting mental health accommodations can lead to fewer disability claims and shorter return-to-work durations. And considering the incidence rate of diagnosable mental health disorders, which cost billions of dollars annually, employers must test new solutions to help employees thrive. Read more.

The Business Case for Inclusive Leave Programs

Employers that take the time to identify the unique needs of diverse employee populations can ensure equitable and inclusive benefit programs — a strategic imperative for success. Read more.

Spotlight Articles

Program Showcase

Using SDOH to Connect Employers with Resources

Employer perspective is important when considering employee performance, which may be affected by social determinants of health. Recognizing and understanding these factors can lead to more effective strategies and solutions. Read more.

Compliance Showcase

Benefits to a Strong Return-to-Work Policy

Reviewing accommodation processes and goals to help employees stay-at-work and return-to-work can help employers identify vulnerabilities and build stronger, more inclusive environments. Read more.

Expanded Perspectives:
@Work to Share

DMEC provides the following @Work magazine articles and podcast episodes to offer additional perspectives on and increase awareness of integrated absence management trends and challenges. The resources — available to members and nonmembers — can be shared with your colleagues and through social media channels.

Boon or Bane: Wading into AI Waters and Defining Risk in IDAM Circles

Using artificial intelligence can be a strategic asset for time-strapped IDAM professionals so they can be present for and focus on moments that matter to employees seeking help. The key is human oversight! Read more.

Columns

Absence Matters

Mental Health and Shifting Demographics

Employers can encourage employees to seek support for their mental health while continuing to work. Learn how to implement an enhanced focus on mental health. Read more.

Benchmarking

How Do Your Plans and Policies Stack Up?

How can employers identify what sets their programs and policies apart from their peers, so they can act strategically and create a business case for change? Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples! Read more.

Engaging Today’s Workforce

Empowering Employees to Use Mental Health Benefits

Employers should reconsider benefit offerings and communication approaches so employees know where to turn for mental health support when they need help. Read more.

Employer Solutions

Rethinking Intermittent Leaves – Lead with Empathy

While employers are offering greater access to benefits that support mental health and whole-person wellness in the last decade, stigma surrounding mental health and leaves of absence persists. Read more.

Common Sense Compliance

Mental Health-Related Court Cases a Warning for Employers

Employers are encouraged to invest in manager and supervisor training to avoid legal vulnerability with mental health-related accommodation requests. Read more.

Featured Case

Avoiding Common Traps with Mental Health Accommodations

It can be difficult to navigate mental health-related accommodation requests, note legal experts, who write about increasing claims of discrimination in this realm. Read more.

The Disabled Workforce

The Disability Interactive Process, Stress, and Mental Health

How do disability compliance managers handle an influx of medical notes that indicate an employee’s need to reduce stress in the workplace? Read more.

DMEC RESOURCES

DMEC News

Don’t miss a resource or a newly-released DMEC product or service! This issue includes information regarding the upcoming 2024 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference, a new member resource —  Paid Sick Leave Updates and the launch of the Oregon State Leave Laws Microcredential, and more. Read more.

Legislative and Paid Sick Leave Updates

Check out the latest federal, state, and local compliance updates on the DMEC Legislative Updates blog. Recent posts include information about EEOC Regulations on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Minnesota’s Paid Leave Ordinance, and more. Read more.

And don’t miss new updates on paid sick leave introduced through a variety of state and local regulations. It is essential for employers to remain informed about ongoing changes in order to effectively adapt. Read more.

Be sure to follow DMEC on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insight and up-to-date news.

Continue the Conversation

The DMECommunities The Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Group is your destination for everything FMLA — from medical certifications, to intermittent leave, to second and third opinions, and much more! DMEC’s online networking groups give you the opportunity to connect with industry peers, ask/answer questions, share resources, and seek feedback. Get started.