Are in-house therapists at work a good idea? There are many different ways to provide mental health support in the workplace, from benefits tailored to ease mental burdens to direct access to a therapist who can help with the same. Workplace therapy can offer many benefits, not the least of which is a better relationship with employees who can unburden themselves of the strains that impede them and deal with the burnout that often follows them around.
Many organizations that provide therapy at work benefit from offering employees easy access to a trained professional rather than waiting for months to book with a therapist outside, but on the downside, workers can be apprehensive about reaching out to a therapist so closely connected with their bosses. Choosing to hire an in-house therapist at work is a big decision and one that can’t be made lightly.
Providing in-house therapists at work could be the key to happier and more productive employees who feel supported on the job. (Image: Pexels)
Should Organizations Invest in Hiring an In-House Therapist at Work? Exploring the Ins and Outs of Employee Mental Health
Early last year, studies conducted by Modern Health, published by Forbes, showed an alarming rise in employee burnout, reaching an all-time high of 66%. From feeling a lack of career autonomy to facing increasing conflict in and outside the workplace, there are multiple reasons for why employees might find themselves burning out. Encouraging workers to take care of their health or use their PTO days may work in the short-term. But once the problem sets in, it can be hard to brush aside or undo.
There is a general sense of unease about seeking therapy or talking to a professional. Many take it to be a sign of weakness, reserved exclusively for those who have undergone great loss. In reality, therapy can benefit most individuals, even those who consider themselves emotionally stable, as it provides an outlet for things that are not discussed in polite company or solutions to problems that they expect will arise in the future.
Therapy can also be expensive, even for those who are willing to make a change and identify solutions. There is an apparent shortage of trained therapists and counsellors globally, and many therapists have a long waiting time before they can take on a new client. This delay can push any progress that might have been made by willing employees by months or even years. There is a strong connection between addressing mental health at work and the overall well-being of the workforce.
Pros of Addressing Mental Health at Work
Offering therapy at work can ensure that workers find their footing with greater ease, dealing with the problems they are facing both on and off the job. Providing mental health support can have many benefits, such as:
- Reduced conflict and burnout within the workplace after employees learn to channel their stress in a healthy manner
- Improved mental health within the workforce
- More open, communicative workers who are able to interact with greater empathy and understanding
- Better employee retention as workers appreciate employers with well-being benefits
- Improved productivity and efficiency when employees feel more balanced and in control
- Reduced absenteeism as workers are better able to keep up with their health, work, and external priorities
- Greater empathy in the workplace, where accommodations and flexibility can be offered to workers who need them
Should Therapy for Employees Be Provided In-House?
We can all agree that offering therapy benefits can improve a workplace, but are in-house therapists at work a good idea? Certainly! When employees have easy access to a therapist and do not have to take time off or travel great distances to speak to someone, they are more likely to use it. It can also be encouraging to see colleagues avail themselves of their services and witness a company culture that is supportive of growth. Over time, the desire to heal will come to employees more naturally.
There are, of course, some challenges to offering therapy at work. One of the most obvious issues is that of confidentiality. While qualified therapists are required to keep their discussions with employees private, employees will remain suspicious about whether their concerns are being shared with the employer. There is also the problem of ensuring availability for all workers who feel the need to talk to someone, as it will be difficult for larger workforces to make do with a single therapist.
All things considered, the benefits of workplace therapy appear to outweigh the cons. Organizations that are careful to safeguard employee interests and ensure that employee conversations are kept confidential can benefit greatly from addressing mental health and providing access to therapy at work.
Addressing Mental Health at Work Could Be the Next Defining Trait of Your Organizational Culture
Addressing mental health and therapy at work does not have to be complicated. If an in-house therapist is out of the question, providing other resources and access to mental health experts externally can be just as beneficial. Not only could this reduce the possibility of inflated healthcare costs in the future, but it can also prime the workforce to put themselves first and improve their performance on the job by extension.
The idea of workplace counselling will likely be alien to many workers at first, but a business that builds its culture around employee well-being should have no issues with introducing this idea to its workforce. Workers are naturally inclined to be suspicious of such employer-supported benefits, but building a culture where tough conversations are treated with care and employees are allowed some degree of flexibility and self-expression is the best way to earn their trust.
Do you think in-house therapists at work are a good idea? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Subscribe to The HR Digest for more insights into employee well-being and the many elements of building a workforce that can stand the test of time.
