Workplace stress or something else? Tools to support your employees’ mental health

We all deal with stress. But when stress or worry grows into constant alarm or hopelessness, it could indicate a medical condition that requires support. Anxiety and depression can affect every part of a person’s life, from their personal relationships to their physical health. These conditions can also contribute to declines in focus and productivity, which can create downstream consequences around job performance.

Understanding employee mental health: Stress vs. clinical conditions 

Anxiety can result in feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.¹ Anxiety disorders have affected an estimated 19 percent of the U.S. population in the past year, making it a common mental illness.²

Depression is characterized by a lack of interest in daily activities along with physical symptoms, such as appetite changes, fatigue, sleeping too much or too little, and other issues.³ Depression is a leading cause of disability in the U.S.⁴

Why supporting employee mental health matters for your organization

Your employees’ mental health plays a large part in the success of your business. In fact, employees who are distracted by feelings of anxiety or depression often can’t fully contribute to their workplace and, on average, will be absent 21 days per year.⁵

When employees aren’t mentally well, it often shows up at work as presenteeism, absenteeism, turnover, and/or declining morale. All these factors can impact your bottom line, making it imperative to build a mentally healthy workplace.

Employers who are not addressing the mental health needs of their employees are neglecting their most valuable resource.

How employers can promote better employee mental health

• Ensure employees have access to mental health services and benefits. By offering health insurance that includes access to mental health care professionals and resources, you can play a crucial role in helping your employees get the care they need. Two other key offerings to consider are behavioral health services—which can help support behaviors that impact physical and emotional health—and an employee assistance program (EAP). EAPs provide resources employees can use to tackle personal and professional challenges. Offering this support will show your employees that you are committed to their overall well-being.
• Use HR tools to identify work-related stressors. HR tools such as engagement reviews, one-on-one conversations, and employee surveys can provide insight into the primary stressors for employees. You can use the information you gain to formulate an action plan for creating a healthier work environment.
• Provide training on stress management and resilience. Once you understand the factors that may contribute to stress, consider how professional training and development programs may help. These programs can teach techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, de-escalation, and team building—skills that support emotional regulation and strengthen workplace relationships. When employees feel well, they perform well, creating benefits that ripple across the business.

Employee mental health programs available through UPMC Health Plan

Sometimes proactively addressing mental health in the workplace isn’t enough. When stress, anxiety, and depression start interfering with everyday life, it’s important for individuals to get help. UPMC Health Plan has a number of resources to help members who are struggling, no matter the severity.

• Premier mental health providers. UPMC traces its roots to mental health services, starting with access to UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and expanding its outstanding mental health services at facilities like UPMC Mercy- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab, UPMC Pinnacle- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab, and UPMC Susquehanna- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab.
• Health coaching. UPMC Health Plan members can receive motivation and support from a licensed health coach. They can also enroll in the Less Stress™ program—a six-week course that helps participants learn techniques to manage their stress.
• EAP. Workpartners- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab^®—an affiliate of UPMC Health Plan—offers an EAP with resources to help employees overcome personal and professional challenges. It has consultants who can refer employees to more than 100,000 community resources; online work-life resources, including trainings and self-assessments; and services to help employees address daily living needs, such as childcare, legal concerns, or financial matters.

Stress is part of life and every workplace comes with its challenges, but your employees don’t need to handle them alone. Employee well-being is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of an engaged, productive workforce. Employers who address the mental health needs of their employees are setting their team and business up for long-term success.

Additional mental health resources for employees

Resources for Pennsylvania residents:

• Pennsylvania Department of Health- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab provides links to a variety of mental health resources.
• Pennsylvania Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab provides information and resources on mental health, including a list of behavioral health managed care organizations in the state.

National resources:

• Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab or call 988, the 24-hour, toll-free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab can help you find behavioral health treatment services anonymously.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab—the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S.—will help you find your local affiliate.
• The National Institute of Mental Health brochures and fact sheets- Opens in new tab - Opens in new tab provide information on the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for everything from generalized anxiety and depression to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.