Amazon plans to launch 20 employee health centers
The online shopping giant is partnering with Crossover Health to provide primary care to its workforce.
Healthcare benefits
‘It’s a fool’s choice’ when employers ignore investments in mental health benefits
The initiative aims to promote a culture of acceptance around returning to the workplace and the rising mental health issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benefits Think Virtual communications planning for open enrollment
Now is the time to reimagine your enrollment process and ensure you have the tools in place to communicate your benefits clearly.
Wayne Wall
Flimp Communications
Starbucks expands mental health benefits with first aid program
The coffee giant has introduced several new mental health benefits including free Headspace subscriptions and 20 mental health sessions with a therapist a year for free.
Benefits Think Rethinking wellness to engage employees through challenging times
When considering how to adapt workplace wellness initiatives, employers must ensure workers have the resources necessary to meet their health and well-being goals, from wherever they are.
Caitlin Kennally
Health Advocate
Cigna, Oscar offer insurance plan to help small businesses maintain productivity
The insurance companies plan to launch a new health plan in Q4 to help employers recuperate from COVID-19 losses.
Mental health stigma still a barrier during coronavirus
Employees are cautious about discussing their mental health at work, but addressing these challenges can improve outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
Employers scrutinize diversity efforts as national protesters demand change
“Silence is not going to work,” says Tammy Fennessy, director of benefits for American Eagle Outfitters. “We view silence as an acceptance of racism — it’s not helping the cause.”
Benefits Think Opioid crisis exacerbated by COVID-19: What employers can do
Seventy five percent of employers reported being directly affected by opioids, often as contributing to workplace accidents, lost productivity, staffing issues, missed workdays, and increased care and leave costs.
Erin Peterson
Integrated Benefits Institute
Benefits Think The value of treating depression through the eyes of purchasers and patients
Major depression is just one of hundreds of conditions where employers struggle to improve outcomes and costs.
Jennifer Bright
Innovation and Value Initiative
Benefits Think How top-tier EAPs can facilitate the post-pandemic return to work
Organizations addressing the post-pandemic return to work will be required to assemble teams of specialists in safety, security, HR and risk management to aid in the challenge.
Kathleen Greer
KGA
Strategies for making mental healthcare core to your organization
Employees are struggling to improve their mental health as the coronavirus is still a main concern, combined with the racial injustice crisis the country is facing.
Benefits Think A business imperative: Prioritizing mental health in the wake of COVID-19
Employee mental health is vital to a company’s performance, but the pandemic is worsening wellness as time passes and long-term effects compound, driving more insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
David Ebersman
Lyra Health
Employees say ‘feeling stressed’ is top reason for lying about sick days
Out of the employees surveyed in the U.K., the U.S., Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, those in the U.S. are the most likely to lie to their employer about their reason for taking a sick day.
What employers can do to support Black employees right now
Corporate messages and social media outreach may be well intended, but diversity experts say companies need to do more to support Black employees in a time of crisis.
Frontline employees at high risk of burnout and other mental health challenges
Employee mental health is a workplace crisis, with frontline workers struggling with increased anxiety and depression during the coronavirus pandemic.
Stork Club creates maternity care for modern families
A benefit start-up unveils a new platform that consolidates maternity and parental benefits into one.
Benefits Think Specialty drug conflicts of interest: Employers must act now to control the chaos
In order to maximize the plans fiduciary responsibilities, a contract with appropriate terms and definitions must be in place to allow the plan to exercise their right to carve-out prior authorization.
Denise Giambalvo
Midwest Business Group on Health
Benefits Think Smart CEOs must hear employee cry for mental health benefits
Around 63% of workers say their company could do more to support their emotional and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this group, 22% said their company’s response was “barely adequate,” “a disaster” or “non-existent.”
Sally Welborn
Employer Health Innovation Roundtable
Healthstat tackles mental health stigma with ‘virtual health center’
“It is critical for employers to actively demonstrate their commitment to mental health parity. Fear and stigma can only be overcome when employees believe their workplace provides a safe environment,” says Dr. Eric Hart, chief medical officer of Healthstat.
