Why Employers Need to Pay Attention to Youth Mental Health Concerns

The mental health of the nation’s youth may not be at the top of the agenda for business leaders, but it’s front and center for their employees. According to Dr. James Polo, chief medical officer at Carelon Behavioral Health, employers need to consider how children’s mental health can affect their parents’ health overall. Parents often carry concerns for their children into their work environments.

“Employers should recognize that working parents may shoulder significant stress when a child experiences mental health concerns,” Polo said. “This can directly influence an employee’s focus, productivity, and overall job performance. Workers that experience significant stress over time are more likely to miss work or be unable to give work their desired level of attention.”

United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory in 2021 that called the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults an urgent public health issue. Murthy called out in the report that employers can help, from offering benefits like health insurance and accessible childcare to creating a workplace culture that “affirms the importance of mental health and well-being for all employees and their families.”
 

Specific Steps Employers Can Take

Polo recommends employers create a supportive workplace by starting with the basics. Employee assistance programs (EAP) provide employees with a resource to start asking questions and get information specific to their needs. In addition, the way in which employers communicate about their support for mental health conditions can be just as significant as the benefits they offer. Using inclusive language will help avoid perpetuating bias, discrimination and judgment.

“Employers should also encourage all employees to establish a relationship with a primary care provider for themselves and for their children,” he said. “Employees should see their primary care provider for all annual preventive care appointments and well-child check-ups for their children, which include screening for behavioral health conditions.”