Driving Business Success by Investing in Employee Physical and Mental Health

As we enter a new year, employers and organizations are looking for ways to improve performance and reduce costs. One of the most impactful strategies? Prioritizing whole-person wellness, especially employee mental health. Whole-person wellness means viewing a person’s health holistically and requires addressing physical and mental health together. Both must be given equal attention to avoid gaps in care and ensure no aspect of wellbeing is overlooked.  

When employees have access to comprehensive behavioral health support alongside physical wellness resources, they’re not only healthier, but businesses can also see measurable improvements in productivity, engagement, and overall cost of care. From reducing stress to building resilience, mental health is a critical driver of better business outcomes.  

The Business Case for Workforce Wellness 

Employers often underestimate the financial and cultural impact of mental health support for their workforce. Investing in integrated behavioral health solutions alongside physical wellness programs drives better outcomes like lower absenteeism, reduced healthcare spend, and improved productivity and engagement.  

Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism 

Untreated mental health conditions cost U.S. employers $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity. Workers who rate their mental health as fair or poor have almost 5x more unplanned absences than workers who report their mental health as good, very good, or excellent.  

Employees who receive behavioral health support are less likely to miss work and more likely to stay engaged, which creates a healthier and happier workforce. This reduces absenteeism and presenteeism in your organization which not only helps morale, but your company’s bottom line.  

Lower Healthcare Costs 

Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease are often linked to depression and anxiety, which can increase the total cost of care. Through access to benefits like integrated primary care and behavioral health, employees have the support of a care team for consistent chronic condition management. Collaborative behavioral health providers add a layer of mental health support for those who likely need it, reducing downstream medical spend. 

Improved Productivity and Engagement 

Access to mental health care empowers employees to manage stress effectively, maintain focus, and make sound decisions even in high-pressure situations. By fostering emotional resilience, organizations create a workforce that can adapt to challenges without sacrificing performance. When these efforts are combined with physical wellness programs such as fitness initiatives, nutrition support, and preventive care, the result is a holistic approach to wellbeing. Employees who feel supported both mentally and physically are more energized, engaged, and motivated to contribute. This comprehensive approach to care not only enhances day-to-day productivity but also strengthens long-term retention by building a culture of trust and support. 

What Does Better Behavioral Health Management Look Like? 

Reaching these outcomes requires more than an EAP or a mental health app. A strategic approach to integrated behavioral health services should be accessible, comprehensive, high-quality, and trustworthy. 

Multiple Access Points 

Offering flexible ways to access mental and physical health services can make a significant impact. Whether it’s about convenience, supporting those in rural areas, or addressing privacy concerns, variety matters. Providing options like in-person counseling at onsite health centers, virtual appointments for ease and discretion, and digital tools for scheduling and communication ensures employees get the support they need, when and how they need it. 

Full Spectrum of Care 

Selecting a partner that offers a comprehensive range of services is essential. From individual therapy, counseling, and psychiatry to specialized support for stress management and more, a full spectrum of care meets employees where they are, even during life’s toughest challenges.  

Licensed, Experienced Providers 

In today’s tech-driven world, expertise is your competitive edge. Choosing care delivered by licensed physicians, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists is crucial for knowing your members are in the right hands. With evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual, employees should receive consistent, high-quality care that creates impactful results. 

Confidentiality  

Removing barriers to care starts with privacy and convenience. Behavioral health services co-located with primary care means no one has to know when a member visits the wellness center for mental health needs. Additionally, secure platforms for virtual sessions and flexible scheduling options make it simple for employees to get the support they need, confidentially and without added stress. 

Interested in learning more? Read more about integrated behavioral health to go in depth on our behavioral health offerings and integrations.   

Premise Health: Your Ally in Physical and Mental Health  

As a strategic partner for large employers, unions and Taft-Hartley funds, and tribal organizations, Premise Health delivers behavioral health solutions that scale to meet the needs of diverse workforces. Our approach goes beyond traditional care by offering integrated, whole-person services, prioritizing both mental and physical wellbeing to make members healthier and save organizations money. With flexible access options, including onsite, near site, and virtual, members receive care where and when they need it, removing barriers and fostering a caring culture. 

If you’re ready to create a healthier, more resilient workforce, contact us today to learn how Premise Health’s behavioral health offerings can make a lasting difference. 

FAQ:   

1. What is the ROI of employee mental health programs?
   From a study of nine organizations, including 96,000 unique lives in Premise Health’s book of business, organizations saved 48%, or $5,377 per member per year, on total cost of care for members attributed to both Premise primary care and behavioral health. 
2. How do integrated health solutions reduce absenteeism?
   Integrated health solutions reduce absenteeism by making care accessible and coordinated. Employees can address both physical and mental health needs quickly, preventing issues from escalating and minimizing time away from work. 
3. What are the best strategies for workforce wellness?
   Integrated wellness strategies that combine physical and mental health care, offer onsite and virtual access, use data-driven insights, and foster a supportive culture are ideal for boosting engagement, enhancing productivity, and reducing absenteeism.