Since 2003, September has been recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. Mental health is becoming increasingly important and plays a crucial role in preventing suicide and self-harm. In recent years, many companies have begun adopting initiatives to prioritize the mental well-being of their employees. What are organizations doing to join this cause and care for the mental health of their workforce?
A New Approach in the Workplace
Employee expectations have drastically changed in recent years. Today, workers demand a balance between personal and professional development, a conversation that previous generations rarely engaged in. This shift has been driven by technological evolution, lifestyle changes, and global circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the urgent need to care for mental health.
Some companies have begun offering access to digital tools like meditation apps or online therapy portals. However, other companies have gone further, offering innovative and personalized solutions to make a real difference.
The Growing Commitment to Mental Health in the United States
According to figures from the National Institute of Mental Health in 2022, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 25 to 35, and the fifth among those aged 35 to 44. States such as Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming have the highest suicide rates in the United States. To address this issue, some companies have implemented robust programs to care for the mental health of their employees.
On-Site Therapy
Premise Health, a company in Brentwood, Tennessee, has implemented on-site therapist programs in various companies. This company integrates professionals who provide psychological support directly in the offices, adapting treatments to the individual needs of each employee. This type of service allows employees to discuss work or personal issues in a confidential and safe environment.
Examples of Companies with On-Site Therapists:
- Comcast: The media company introduced a full-time bilingual (English-Spanish) therapist in March 2023 at its Telemundo offices in Miami, Florida.
- Delta Airlines: In 2019, the airline started with nine on-site therapists and currently has 20 professionals distributed across 15 centers in the U.S.
Internal Emotional Support Campaigns
Some companies have developed internal programs that address the specific needs of their employees without relying on external providers.
A notable example is Johnson & Johnson, which implemented the Healthy Mind program as part of its comprehensive wellness initiative. This program provides training for both managers and employees on how to manage stress, foster resilience, and balance personal and professional life.
Unilever has also taken steps by launching its Lamplighter program, which focuses on both the physical and mental health of its employees. This approach has allowed the company to reduce healthcare operating costs in certain regions to historic lows.
Suicide Prevention
Some companies are specifically committed to suicide prevention. Union Pacific organizes an annual campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day, with around 200 volunteers distributing educational materials to thousands of employees.
In the construction industry, known for its high suicide risk, companies like RK have implemented mental support programs through the Working Mind program, offering resources and ongoing training.
Apps and Work Flexibility
The use of technological tools has also gained popularity. Adobe, for example, offers free access to wellness apps like Headspace and LifeDojo for its employees and one loved one. They also cover up to 12 therapy sessions per year for employees and their families through a partnership with Spring Health.
On the other hand, work flexibility has been a key strategy for some companies. Airbnb, for example, allows its employees to work from anywhere in the world, giving them the opportunity to better balance their work and personal responsibilities.
Paying attention to employees’ mental health is more than just a trend; it is a necessity in today’s work environment. From on-site therapy to wellness programs and work flexibility, companies in the United States are demonstrating that when they prioritize the mental well-being of their employees, they can increase engagement, productivity, and long-term success.