Aflac supports workers’ mental health affected by inflation.

Aflac supports workers' mental health affected by inflation.

Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in the Workplace: Insights from Aflac Chief Human Resources Officer

It’s no secret that the United States is in the midst of a mental health crisis, but what may be surprising is the lack of understanding and support from employers. A recent report from Aflac, a leading insurance company, highlights the gap between employers’ perceptions of mental health offerings and what employees actually need to combat burnout. In addition to this, workers are also facing the added stress of higher inflation, impacting their financial stability. As a result, employee mental well-being is on the decline.

To shed light on this issue, CHRO Daily sat down with Matthew Owenby, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Aflac, to discuss the company’s findings and what they are doing to improve the mental health of their 12,800-strong workforce. In this interview, Owenby shares valuable insights and practical solutions that employers can implement to better support their employees’ mental well-being.

Improving Awareness of Mental Health Benefits

One of the key findings from the Aflac report is that more than a third of employees have delayed mental health treatment because they are uncertain if their health insurance plan covers it. To address this issue, Owenby emphasizes the need for employers to improve their communication strategies.

Employers often share benefits information once a year during the enrollment period, missing crucial opportunities to inform employees of available mental health benefits. Owenby advocates for a more targeted and modern communication program that utilizes the tools employees are already accustomed to using, such as social media platforms. By keeping information in front of employees consistently, especially when introducing new benefits, employers can ensure that their workers are aware of and utilize the mental health benefits available to them.

Financial Instability and Employee Mental Health

Financial instability has a direct impact on employee engagement and satisfaction with their employers. It creates an underlying stress and anxiety that weighs employees down. Owenby emphasizes the importance of employers offering not just benefits or compensation, but also resources and educational workshops on financial wellness.

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At Aflac, they regularly hold lunch-and-learn sessions to teach employees about budgeting, debt reduction, and proactive financial management. Owenby stresses that financial security is one of the primary reasons people work, and employers have a significant opportunity to step up and address this critical aspect of employee well-being.

Addressing the Rising Costs of Mental Health Care

The costs associated with mental health care are rising for employers, leading to concerns about how to provide adequate support while keeping costs manageable. Owenby suggests that employers should invest in mental health resources before they become a crisis. By providing resources and support early on, employers can prevent the situation from escalating and becoming more costly to address.

Owenby compares it to detecting cancer early; the math around early detection versus late detection is significantly different. The same principle applies to mental health issues. Employers should prioritize investing in mental health resources to ensure the well-being of their employees.

Aflac’s Approach to Mental Health Support

At Aflac, they have taken a comprehensive approach to mental health support. They offer on-site healthcare, including access to mental health counselors. Additionally, they provide benefits like paid family leave, hybrid work arrangements, and paid medical leave.

Recognizing that not all employees work in Columbus, Georgia, Aflac has virtual resources available for employees to connect with no matter their location. This ensures that all employees have access to the support they need, regardless of where they are based.

Effective Communication of Benefits

To ensure employees are aware of the benefits available to them, Aflac communicates these offerings at least twice a month. Communication is ramped up during specific times, such as flu season, to provide timely information and support. By consistently communicating benefits, Aflac ensures their employees have the necessary resources and knowledge to make the most of their mental health benefits.

Measuring Success: Happy and Engaged Workforce

Measuring the success of the benefits offered to employees is crucial for Aflac. They assess this primarily through employee engagement and satisfaction. A happy and engaged workforce equates to higher productivity and better retention rates. Aflac prioritizes taking care of its employees and maintains a culture of transparency, trust, and open communication. If an employee has a countercultural experience, they are encouraged to directly approach Owenby to address any concerns.

In conclusion, Aflac’s Chief Human Resources Officer Matthew Owenby offers valuable insights into the mental health crisis in the workplace and how employers can better support their employees. By improving communication strategies, addressing financial instability, investing in mental health resources, and consistently providing support, employers can make a significant difference in their employees’ well-being.

Paige McGlauflin
[email protected]
@paidion