We Didn’t Start the Fire . . . But We Can Make Sure Employees Are Aware of What Benefits We Offer That Might Help Dampen It
Are you providing the benefits your employees desire? Many employers are making changes to their benefit programs as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The pandemic has decreased access to routine health care services, increased mental health issues, and increased employees’ stress levels as a result of financial concerns and/or juggling working from home while caring for and homeschooling children. Many employers have made changes to their benefit programs to help employees cope with these and other issues, such as:
- Adding or expanding virtual care or telehealth services to existing health coverage.
- Enhancing employee assistance programs by offering online therapy, counseling, and mental health services.
- Providing financial and debt counseling as well as student loan assistance.
- Implementing programs to help employees who are struggling with childcare or schoolwork while working from home, such as subsidies to pay for tutors or homework monitors.
- Enhancing health savings account subsidies.
If you are already providing some or all of these benefits, be sure to periodically remind your employees of the availability of this assistance. For example, communicate what mental health resources are available to employees and make sure they understand how to use them. Additionally, make sure your employees know who they can contact when they need help with navigating their benefits.