Stress, burnout, drug addiction, depression. These issues and other mental health conditions are quickly making their way up employers' list of workplace concerns. In fact, according to a recent report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (Mental Health and Substance Abuse Benefits: 2018) 60 percent of businesses in Canada and the U.S. have noticed an increase in mental and behavioral illnesses in the past two years. Employees' stress levels in particular is a growing concern. Related: 4 ways to foster employees' mental health in the workplace Recognizing the impact these issues take on worker productivity--not just employees dealing with mental illness but their family and loved ones, as well--employers have put greater emphasis on mental health care in recent years, including making it a core focus of employee wellness programs. According to IFEBP's survey, 95 percent of organization offer some level of mental health and substance abuse coverage, including 69 percent with specific procedures to combat opioid abuse. "Employers are becoming increasingly mindful of the mental health and substance abuse challenges their workers might be dealing with, evidenced by the fact that almost all of our responding organizations report offering benefits to help with these conditions," said IFEBP's Julie Stich. Still, there are numerous barriers standing in the way, including the shortage of mental health providers and services and the stigma that comes with mental health disorders. In anticipation of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the International Foundation took a look at how employers are addressing mental and behavioral issues in the workplace, as well as the most common issues seen in the workplace. Check out the slideshow above to see what they are. Read more about the impact of mental and behavioral health on the workforce: |

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