ComPsych in the News
ComPsych WhitePaper: Behavioral Health and Absence Integration Outcomes
Leaves of absence have been on an upward trajectory since 2019, with mental health leaves up 300%. Our new data shows that employees who utilize their available employee assistance benefits are back to work six days sooner than those who don’t. Integrating behavioral health services with leave management can not only support employees but also drive efficiency and productivity within organizations.
Read the full whitepaper here for more information.
What ComPsych Absence Program Manager Stephany Correa Thinks
“As someone who just returned from leave, I understand and sympathize with those requesting and taking leave. Whether you are sitting in the ‘newborn bubble’, in a hospital bed post-surgery, or caring for a sick family member, things like paperwork due dates or return to work dates are the furthest thing from your mind. The last thing employees want to deal with is a complex process and an even harder system to check for updates or submit information. Instead, employees want easy-to-navigate systems, reminders, and an empathetic partner. Leaning on systems to do the administrative work allows employers to focus on supporting employees in other ways, like offering well-being resources or simply checking in to see how they are doing. Employers who support their employees before, during, and after their leave leads to employees feeling more motivated and productive when they return to work.”
CNBC: The Share of Workers Taking Mental Health Leave is Up 300% From Pre-Pandemic Levels
According to a new analysis from ComPsych, more workers are taking extended breaks from their jobs than ever before, driven by a 300% surge in mental health leaves since 2019. ComPsych’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Jennifer Birdsall and ComPsych CEO Paul Posey highlight how external factors and reduced stigma have created a “new normal” in the workplace. The full article explores these findings and shares how employers can proactively support their employees’ mental well-being, leading to faster returns to work.
The Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Chicagoland Walk, which ComPsych is proudly sponsoring, is scheduled for September 27 at Montrose Harbor. ComPsych CEO Paul Posey stated, “We know firsthand how important the work that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention does for those struggling and for those who support them. We couldn’t be prouder to be sponsoring the Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk again this year, helping to break down stigma while raising funds and awareness about how suicide can be prevented.” If you are based in Chicago, we invite you to join us for the walk.
ComPsych Blog: August’s Compliance Corner: When Does an Employee Leave Become “Indefinite”?
A recent court decision sheds light on what constitutes an “indefinite” leave under the ADA, which employers are not required to accommodate. The ruling in Coffman v. Nexstar Media Inc. found that a leave lasting six months with no firm return date was no longer a reasonable accommodation, even when the employee provided a vague timeline. This indicates that a leave can be considered indefinite—and not protected by the ADA—if the projected return date is too uncertain. Read the full blog here.
Industry Insights
HRO Today: Millennials, Gen Z Face Steepest Mental Health Challenges at Work
A recent survey reveals that burnout is most prevalent among younger generations, with 77 percent of millennials and 72 percent of Gen Z experiencing at least one symptom. The data highlights a generational difference in how workers cope with burnout and their expectations for employer support, with younger employees feeling the least supported.
ABC News: Illinois Becomes 1st State to Require Student Mental Health Screenings
Illinois has become the first state to mandate annual mental health screenings for public school students in grades 3 through 12. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the new law aims to provide early support for students struggling with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
HR Executive: From Complexity to Control? How Tech Can Ease Leave Management
Due to the complexity of overlapping federal, state, and employer policies, managing employee leave has become a major challenge for HR departments. This article argues that leveraging technology and digital tools is the best solution for HR to efficiently manage leave and provide a better experience for employees during major life events.