When it comes to encouraging a healthy, productive workplace, employees' physical health has always been central to company wellness programs.
As many companies and employers discover the true payoff of more comprehensive worker health programs, however, another focus has emerged - improving employees' mental wellbeing.
The Elevations Professional Women's Network Luncheon: Workplace Wellness and Mental Health, hosted by the Charleston Area Alliance, will feature a panel of business and mental health professionals to discuss the evolution of mental health services in the modern workplace, as well the future for mental health and workplace wellness. The event, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Charleston, will also include informal networking opportunities and seated lunch.
Terri McCormick, director of human resources for BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company and a panelist at the event, said the company's wellness program was developed a few years back to bridge the gap between physical and mental health services. BrickStreet employees' insurance plans cover inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse services at the same coverage level as other medical services.
"We view employees as whole persons - we understand that they have lives beyond our doors," she said. "We recognized that physical and mental wellbeing, combined with whatever their personal situations are, all influence their ability to function effectively at work."
McCormick said BrickStreet's approach to employee wellness hinges on involvement, and those who opt in receive weekly wellness updates. The company offers voluntary health screenings and a risk assessment, as well as programs centered on exercise and healthy eating. BrickStreet also has an employer-paid employee assistance program, which offers counseling for employees and their dependents 24-hour counseling by phone or online, she said.
"Our wellness plan is more focused on the physical side of things - the idea is that it's a results-based program based on the philosophy that every employee is responsible for taking charge of their own health," McCormick said. "We understand that mental wellness is very much tied to good eating habits, financial wellness, stress management - all of those things tie in."
Other panelists for the event include Sonya Christian, a Kanawha County schools psychologist, Dr. Michelle Easton, dean of the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Jenee Walker, a Charleston Area Medical Center adult and child psychiatrist. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Cynthia Persily, president and CEO of Highland Hospital Association.
Those interested can register online at the Charleston Area Alliance's website. Tickets range from $50 to $70 per person; prices depend on Alliance membership status and time of registration.
Reach Lydia Nuzum at
lydia.nuzum@wvgazettemail.com,
304-348-5189 or follow
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