A comprehensive and effective wellbeing strategy is no longer a nice-to-have. Here’s how employers can elevate their mental health strategy to help their people thrive in the new world of work.

The spotlight on workplace mental health is intensifying – and for good reason. Workers are the lifeblood of any organisation. As businesses increasingly acknowledge the link between employee mental health and overall productivity, the imperative to cultivate supportive environments is more critical than ever. 

But, in facing the labyrinth of mental health, it’s difficult to know where to start.

You can’t hide from mental health

In recent years, we have witnessed stress and anxiety skyrocket, becoming the most common workplace injury. 

The rise of remote work, increased workloads and the demands of an interconnected world are taking their toll on individuals and impacting the overall health of organisations. In response to this, the resolutions we tend to see are surface-level work perks like fruit bowls or free coffee. But, as mental health becomes more entwined with success, that is simply not enough. 

Employers must reconcile what they say with what they do. 

Recognition serves as the first step to prioritise workplace wellbeing, but implementation is the most crucial aspect. Equipping leaders with the right tools, training and guidance to effectively support their employees is a significant milestone to addressing these issues.

Going beyond a corporate checkbox

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), often considered a checkbox in corporate policies, are not just a formality. They represent a dynamic and proactive approach to supporting employees through life’s challenges. 

When it comes to implementing a solid wellbeing strategy, EAPs sit at the heart of what a business does.

TELUS Health is a global health and wellbeing leader, serving people in more than 160 countries, delivering both digital and clinical innovative services to improve total physical, mental and financial health and wellness across the full spectrum of primary and preventative care. 

A recent merger between Benestar and Lifeworks (two of the largest EAP providers in Australia) has positioned TELUS Health as the largest EAP provider in ANZ and the world.

With the broadest corporate mental health and wellbeing team across Australia and New Zealand, TELUS Health leverages a network of 100,000 health professionals. It represents a seamless integration between online and in-person clinical options, complemented by cutting-edge digital and data analytics capabilities.

This truly holistic approach not only meets, but exceeds the evolving needs of organisations and their diverse workforces.

Addressing the nuances of mental health

One of the cornerstones of TELUS Health’s approach is the Mental Health Index, designed to provide a detailed understanding of the mental wellbeing of individuals and organisations, and the factors influencing mental health.

Data and analytics empower organisations to proactively address challenges, track progress and tailor interventions based on real-time, evidence-driven insights.  

It’s not just about the absence of illness, but the presence of true mental flourishing. 

A tech powerhouse for workplace wellbeing

The intersection of technology and health is becoming increasingly vital and is reshaping how we approach EAPs.

World-class technology forms the backbone of the modern wellbeing app, fusing digital and medical expertise with a user-friendly design to create a truly engaging experience.

The TELUS Health One app serves as a holistic portal, facilitating excellent service integration that transcends the boundaries of traditional health and wellbeing offerings. Solutions are tailor-made to an individual’s unique circumstances and delivered at the right time, through the right medium.

Managing workplace wellbeing is about creating an effective wellbeing strategy that actually drives transformation – and technology is a great facilitator for this change, helping to create a healthier, engaged and productive workforce. Fusing technology with a great clinical team, for both research and delivery, drives remarkable health experiences and outcomes.

With organisations losing millions each year to ignoring mental health issues, this isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a commercial imperative.

To find out more about TELUS Health and its EAP service, click here.