Tactics for Addressing Mental Health for Frontline Workers

The Health Action Alliance hosted the 2024 Mental Health Equity at Work Summit during World Mental Healthy Day, which was held on October 10.

The group provided resources from the event, including a panel discussion on strategies to improve mental health for frontline employees. 

The discussion included Amy Small, managing director of the Health Action Alliance, Chris Forbeck, director of Total Rewards at Northwestern Energy, and Xiomara Arroyo, senior vice president and Market Manager at PNC Bank. 

Takeaway Tactics

• Meet workers where they are: Traditional communication methods like emails might not reach all employees, especially frontline workers. Find creative ways to engage employees through in-person conversations or on-the-job moments during their workday.
• Incentivize participation: Financial incentives like reduced premiums or HSA contributions can encourage employees and their families to engage with wellness programs.
• Offer flexible access to mental health resources: Provide multiple ways for employees to access mental health support, including virtual, telephone, and in-person options. Also, consider offering services that support all aspects of employees' well-being, including mental health, financial wellness, and caregiving responsibilities.
• Promote community involvement through paid volunteer time: Encourage employees to engage with their communities by offering paid time off for volunteering. This strengthens your organization's culture and allows employees to connect with causes they care about, enhancing their sense of purpose and well-being.
• Extend benefits to families: Offering wellness and support programs to employees as well as their spouses and dependents can significantly increase the reach and effectiveness of these resources. 

In partnership with the Ad Council, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and Canva, HHA developed a Love Your Mind Employer Guide to "empower leaders to help with workers recognize their emotions, understand how to care for themselves, and find their unique paths to mental health."