Canadian HR Reporter

18 www.hrreporter.com F E A T U R E S TAKING time to prioritize and care for our mental health has never been more critical than now. When a person struggles with their mental health, it doesn't end at home. Inevitably, it accompanies them on their workday. Many of us are now dealing with increased levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness, making access to mental health support and online therapy resources even more vital. People may feel comfortable talking to friends and family about physical health-care issues, but often they don't feel the same ease when discussing mental health concerns that are just as important. More than half (53 per cent) of North Americans with mental health conditions are not seeking the treatment they need and deserve, according to a 2018 study by the National Council for Behavioral Health in the U.S. In large part, this is happening because many employees don't have access to timely, quality mental health care when they need it — stymieing their ability to stay mentally healthy and productive at work. More than half (57 per cent) of Canadian employees and managers are struggling with a mental health problem, according to a 2018 survey by Morneau Shepell. Work environments create a unique set of challenges. Daily time pressures, the need to multitask, conflict with co-workers or managers, long commutes and other stressful situations can all threaten to overwhelm a person. In a fast-paced work environment, it's understandable that an employee's stress can be exacerbated and played out New-normal stressors such as using public transport, being in confined spaces or elevators and working in shared open spaces are all affecting the workforce's daily mental well-being. Tech advances in virtual care Findings show that half of millennials and 75 per cent of generation Z have left a job for mental health reasons, according to a 2018 survey by Mind Share Partners. Employees want (and some generations expect) on-demand, convenient, discreet and timely care when they need support — especially when it comes to mental health services. Technology can make this possible. By giving employees easy-to-access, on-demand virtual solutions, they are more likely to engage with their mental health benefits — making the investment more than worthwhile. A popular and innovative form of telemedicine in the mental health field is online therapy through a secure text and audio/video platform. People can meet with their therapist from any space as long as they have a stable and secure internet or phone connection. Online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy when provided correctly. Expert-led online mental health support enables employees to have greater therapist choice with no geographical limitation, making specialized care available to more people without the wait time barrier. Virtual therapy, including video and chat functions, allows for therapeutic support to be accessed in smaller "chunks" to help a person stay connected and on track while avoiding feeling MENTAL HEALTH COVERAGE SOARS through unhealthy responses that are driven by unrealistic and exaggerated thoughts. Pandemic crisis raises fears Most organizations strive to prioritize and invest in their employees' mental and physical health to help them function at their best. But with traditional mental health-care solutions not always meeting employees' needs, it's no surprise that workplaces are experiencing a mental health epidemic. Although the nature of COVID-19's impact varies across populations, there is no doubt that many people are suffering in some way. Even the most positive thinkers are feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable and exhausted by the restrictions and life changes that the pandemic policies have created. In the wake of an echo pandemic, employees will now be navigating fears and anxiety regarding their health and safety in returning to the work environment. Organizational changes, business closures and financial worries persist despite re-openings. And talk of a second wave is top of mind. Internet-based CBT is highly effective for people facing depression, anxiety or daily life issues such as conflict with co-workers, managing workloads, self-esteem issues or separation and divorce, says Estelle Morrison of Snapclarity ONLINE THERAPY OFFERS SUPPORT With the pandemic, mental health has never been more of a priority — and organizations are in the business of health care, whether they like it or not. 85% Percentage of Canadians with benefits who feel benefit plans should offer virtual care benefits for both mental and physical health 2 IN 3 Number of Canadians who would be comfortable using virtual care for mental health support 50% Percentage of Canadians who feel their mental health is suffering due to COVID-19 79% Percentage of Canadian employers offering mental health coverage (up from 40% in 2014) 1 IN 3 Number of Canadian employers offering mental health assessments (up from 21 per cent in 2014) 7.8 On average, face-to-face therapy requires 7.8 times more therapist time than iCBT Sources: Journal of Anxiety Disorders, Teledoc Health, IFEBP F O C U S O N : M E N TA L H E A LT H

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