The Business Benefits of Therapy & Counseling
Most employers are well aware of the impact the health of their employees has on the business’ bottom line. Many, however, fail to consider the effect of mental and emotional well being.
According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), nearly 1 in 4 Americans are affected by mental illness annually, and 1 in 17 lives with a major mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Mental illness actually costs 193 billion dollars annually in lost earnings, according to NAMI.
Mood disorders such as depression represent the third most common cause of hospitalization for both youths and adults aged 18-44. An estimated 217 million days of work are lost annually due to productivity decline related to mental illness and substance, according to the Center for Prevention and Health Services. As the saying goes, “the best ability is often availability.”
A recent survey by Buck Consultants at Xerox reports that 33% of employers say the stress level of their workplace has gone up in the last five years. Additionally, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Business Venturing, found that habitual entrepreneurs display symptoms of behavioral addictions, such as obsessive thoughts, withdrawal-engagement cycles, and negative emotional outcomes. Similar to other behavioral addictions – like gambling or internet usage – serial entrepreneurs are likely to experience negative consequences that stem from their need to keep going.
Although many mental health issues go overlooked or unreported, most of these issues could be treated with the proper care. There are several steps an employer can take to help address the mental and emotional well being of his or her employees.
Helping an employee or co-worker to recognize risk factors and symptoms of mental health issues is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure your office is a healthy work environment. Mental health professionals, like myself, can provide free screenings at your office. If issues arise, a full assessment can be given to those who reveal symptoms.
Allowing an employee to attend weekly therapy appointments during business hours, for example, could prevent that employee from missing significant time in the future due to worsening issues. Creating policies that support emotional wellness and treatment will go a long way towards making the work place healthy and productive.
If you’d like to see how Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy Center can improve the health and performance of your workplace, please call (615) 308-8680 or email ellen@ellenwilkins.com
One thought on “Business Benefits of Therapy & Counseling”
I like that you mentioned how even if we aren’t struggling with a huge thing we can still benefit from seeing a therapist to ensure our mental and emotional health are taken care of. My sister’s oldest son seems to be struggling with some personal matters but nothing serious. I think I will talk to my sister and taking him to a therapist just to make sure he’s doing alright.