WebMD Health Services Adds New Series to Help Employees Navigate COVID-19 Mental Health Challenges

WebMD Health Services has integrated a weekly podcast on mental health issues – including those emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic – to provide employers with timely, evidence-based insights to support their employees’ mental and emotional well-being.

Through a partnership with Beyond Well Solutions, WebMD Health Services will release new private custom podcasts weekly on mental health and COVID-19-related mental health topics including techniques for coping, creating balance, dealing with anxiety, insomnia, domestic violence, change in the workplace, caring for the caregiver, company downsizing and more. The series will be available exclusively to all WebMD Health Services clients as part of WebMD ONE, the WebMD Health Services well-being platform.

HR Technology News: ADP National Employment Report: Private Sector Employment Decreased by 20,236,000 Jobs in April; the April NER Utilizes Data Through April 12 and Does Not Reflect the Full Impact of COVID-19 on the Overall Employment Situation

Demonstrating Employer Commitment

Recent reports have shown that nearly half (45%) of U.S. adults report that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health due to worry and stress over the virus. As the pandemic wears on, it is likely the mental health burden will increase as measures taken to slow the spread of the virus, such as social distancing, business and school closures and shelter-in-place orders, lead to greater isolation and potential financial distress.

Re-openings and returns to work may continue to fuel stress and other mental health concerns as employees worry about safety. The most common mental disorders at work are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“This series demonstrates that employers are committed to helping their workforce meet these challenges,” said Andrea Herron, WebMD Health Services Head of People. “For many people, fear of stigma can affect how they relate to others, and employees often try to hide what they are going through. By integrating custom podcasts with WebMD ONE, employees can access support privately. This engagement can mitigate fears of being ‘found out’ and can potentially increase employee participation in Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).”

HR Technology News: TecHRseries Interview with Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek, CMO at SkillSoft

Write into psen@itechseries.com to learn more about our exclusive editorial packages and programs.