Mind Matters: 5 Ways EAPs Can Support Workplace Mental Health

At people-first workplaces, like Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, we already know it takes more than great working conditions, benefits, and pay to allow people to bring their best selves to work. It also takes supporting the mental health of employees which can often be done through employee assistance programs. Looking at the average 100 employees, 50 to 75 cite stress or personal struggles as factors impacting their mental well-being. 25 of those face more severe, behavioral or clinical problems, such as depression and anxiety. Many of the employees serving Goodwill organizations around the country are already at the fragile threshold of overcoming very serious challenges to employment, such as prior justice involvement, ill health, financial instability, food insecurity, housing issues, childcare, substance abuse, and domestic violence — so those numbers are likely even higher. With Mental Health Awareness Month coming to a close, what better time to talk about some extra support Goodwill organizations can offer to boost those employees’ mental well-being?

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on our very own wrap-around Employee Assistance Program (EAP), called Begin At Home, which is designed to provide comprehensive workplace and personal support, meeting employees where they are. Sometimes support looks like quick research assistance or help in tracking down the right resources in areas like housing, transportation, or child care. Other times, it’s long-term one-on-one case management to resolve a larger, legal issue, or even a warm hand-off to one of our many local partner agencies. Because here at GICO, we believe that sometimes people need to (and should!) bring their problems to work in order to receive the help they need. So, let’s dive in and discover five incredible ways Begin At Home helps Goodwill employees enhance their mental health and reduce stress!

5 Ways GICO’s Employee Assistance Programs Enhance Mental Health

Begin At Home is designed to help the mental health of our employees by providing resources in the home. A good work-life balance is key to becoming successful at work as well as in life. Here are 5 benefits of our Begin At Home program.

1. Professional Problem Solvers at Your Fingertips: Sometimes, life throws us a curveball, and it can feel overwhelming to handle it alone. Our Begin At Home program provides a safe space and starting point for employees to talk through personal challenges, work-related stressors, or any mental health concerns. With two dedicated Begin At Home career navigators and additional 24/7 assistance through our full-service EAP provider WorkLife Partnership, Goodwill employees have easy access to a large team of professional problem solvers. Having a supportive counselor by their side can make all the difference in helping employees gain clarity, develop coping strategies, and find a path forward.
2. Confidentiality for Peace of Mind: Privacy is essential when it comes to seeking support for our mental well-being. At Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, we understand that sometimes you may want to talk to someone outside management, the HR department, or even your Begin At Home coordinators. That’s why we offer a 24/7 direct line to Worklife Partnership resource navigators to ensure complete confidentiality. This assurance of privacy creates a trusting environment where individuals can openly discuss their mental health, or share workplace concerns without worrying about potential repercussions, leading to effective solutions and relief.
3. Work-Life Balance Workshops: Striking a healthy work-life balance is crucial to maintaining good mental health. Via our own in-house training unit, we offer informative workshops that provide practical tips and strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, among others. These workshops help empower employees to create a harmonious equilibrium between their professional and personal lives, leading to reduced stress levels and increased overall well-being. Employees can stay informed about these free monthly training opportunities by reading the internal employee newsletter or watching for emails from our training specialists.
4. Financial and Legal Guidance: Let’s face it, financial and legal issues can take a toll on our mental health. And even more so, poor mental well-being can sometimes negatively affect employees’ ability to make sound financial decisions — creating a vicious circle that’s hard to break. With Begin At Home and WorkLife Partnership, Goodwill employees have access to valuable resources and guidance on financial literacy, purchase planning, budgeting, debt and bill management, and legal matters. By addressing these concerns head-on, employees can alleviate the stress associated with money and legal challenges, enabling them to build the stability that allows them to focus on their work and personal growth.
5. Community and Peer Support: Beyond its day-to-day presence, Begin At Home tries to foster a sense of community and belonging with frequent opportunities for employees to help other employees, for example with canned food drives or the annual Holiday Elves gifting program supporting families with children. These initiatives not only provide opportunities for executives and other staff members to give back and volunteer but also allows for a deeper connection among peers who may be facing similar challenges. Building these meaningful connections not only strengthens mental health but is also proven to enhance overall job satisfaction. Employees who feel connected to each other and to the company are less likely to seek employment elsewhere, not only because they’re satisfied professionally but also because the personal relationships they have with their coworkers can be difficult to rebuild elsewhere. A win-win for employee retention and turnover!

The goal for most employee assistance programs is to create a supportive network where employees can share experiences, seek advice, and find solace in knowing they are not alone in conquering problems. Lowering internal stigma around asking for help is often the first step in helping ease that mental burden of external stress.

That’s why our Begin At Home career navigators routinely visit each of our 25 stores and corporate locations to build rapport and trust with employees, and encourage individuals to share about problems in intake meetings, casual water cooler conversations, and beyond.

Through professional counseling, confidentiality, work-life balance workshops, financial and legal guidance, and peer-led initiatives, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma is empowering its employees to prioritize self-care, reduce stress, and thrive both at work and in their personal lives. And with an effect! In both 2021 and 2022, our employees voted us one of Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces. Around the country, organizations like GICO are showing it pays off to prioritize employee mental health, and to use wrap-around assistance programs to create a positive and nurturing work environment. So, let’s continue spreading awareness, remember to ask for help, and be kind to each other — this month and all year!

If you or a family member struggle with mental health issues, please consider reaching out to 988, Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline.

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