COLORADO SPRINGS — Studies are showing that adults are having a hard time coping with this pandemic. Many of us can empathize with this feeling--especially in a tense work environment. As companies look for ways to attract new hires, many jobs are starting to offer mental health resources as benefits.
From Starbucks to Target, several companies are offering resources to help their employees cope emotionally. Experts at Robert Half, a national HR consulting firm, say mental health has actually worsened for many employees since the start of the pandemic.
Help is out there if you are looking for it. A study done by a financial services and insurance company, The Hartford, found deteriorating mental health can contribute to people leaving their jobs. It often starts with changes in work performance, frequent absences or tardiness, having trouble concentrating, and communication problems. It can end up affecting companies financially if it isn't addressed.
"There's a lot of tension in people's lives," Paul McDonald, Senior Executive Director of Robert Half, explained. "Balancing work, balancing significant others and responsibilities, has really created this tension for individuals while being home in many instances."
Unfortunately, not many employees are taking advantage of these resources. Experts at Robert Half found that only about half of workers are using these benefits. That's mostly due to being unaware of the resources that are being offered.
"There are online resources, coaching, mental health, and therapy sessions that come through the insurance companies," McDonald said.
Not only do managers need to be empathetic and compassionate when considering their employees' needs, they also need to constantly remind them that these resources are available.
Here's a list of local companies that are offering mental health support:
1) Starbucks
2) Target
3) Zendesk
4) Sofi
5) Vizio
6) CampMinder
7) Chipotle
8) Papa John's
9) McDonald's
10) Toastmaster's International
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