Mental health - preventing burnout in employees

Employers Can Begin to Address Burnout in the American Workforce

By:Tracey Ferstler, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Claims and Operations, MetLife   The topic of mental health took on an entirely new meaning in 2021. After a year of uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, employees and employers alike are focusing more closely on mental wellness and burnout. Employee anxiety, depression and burnout are at…

5 Ways to Embrace the Danish Concept of Hygge

Hygge may not be a household world in the States quite yet, but it’s currently experiencing a popularity growth spurt and influencing the way many Americans live their lives. With origins in Denmark, the word—pronounced “hoo-gah”—roughly translates to “coziness” in English, although most Danes will argue that hygge has more to do with well-being than anything else. It’s thought to…

Building a resilient workforce during periods of adversity

Building a Resilient Workforce During Periods of Adversity

By Tracey Ferstler, PhD, Head of Return to Health, Global Claims, MetLife   COVID turned the world as we know it upside down, and people who work in and around absence management and disability insurance are looking for answers on what’s next.  Will we return to normal or is this our new normal?  What is unique…

Overworked young professional with his head on the desk

You Need a Vacation (And So Does Your Team)

As Labor Day fades from view, most HR teams typically breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a respite from juggling vacation requests and staffing. But, just as everything about 2020 has been different, this year summer didn’t automatically mean “vacation.”   In fact, a vast majority of your team might have forgone any days…

Taking Time Off is Good for Employee Engagement

The pandemic hasn’t stopped summer from arriving! As vacation season kicks off, it is a good time for HR teams to encourage the value of taking a break. As we all know, vacations are important for emotional and physical health of employees. In fact, studies show that they build a far more engaged, happy, and…

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

Helping Business Owners Prepare for Uncertain Times

When the unexpected, such as an injury or illness, suddenly occurs, small business owners may be greatly affected, both personally and professionally. Think about the investment you’ve made in your business. Chances are, it’s not simply a business to you, but rather, your life’s work.   For many business and practice owners, their business provides…

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

Caring in a Crisis: How You Can Support Employee Mental Health through the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Cara McNulty, DPA, President, Aetna Behavioral Health As we adjust to our new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental wellbeing of employees should remain a top priority for employers. Each employee faces a unique set of circumstances that may have negative implications for their mental health. Many employees are juggling childcare or caregiving…