SHRM All Things Work Mental Health Benefits Are Evolving: How Employers Can Keep Up
May 13, 2025
Join Kathryn Mayer, a senior specialist at SHRM and expert on benefit trends, as she delves into the evolving landscape of mental health benefits in the workplace. Discover how employers are shifting their approach, influenced by cultural changes and the pandemic, to prioritize mental well-being. Explore innovative strategies like teletherapy and managerial support, while balancing technology with human connection. Kathryn outlines actionable steps for businesses to foster a supportive culture and adapt to emerging trends in mental health support.
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Mental Health Became Must-Have
- Mental health benefits have shifted from being a nice-to-have to a must-have over the past decade.
- Nowadays nearly all workplace benefits are tied to supporting mental health in some way.
Company-Wide Mental Health Breaks
- A consulting firm closes offices company-wide for a week in summer and holidays to encourage mental health breaks.
- Employees no longer worry about work during the break, reducing stress and guilt about workload sharing.
Cost-Effective Mental Health Support
- Start by assessing current mental health benefits like EAPs and flexible schedules.
- Use low-cost strategies like webinars, free apps, and internal employee expertise to expand support.