May is Mental Health Month.

Given the current worldwide situation, there’s no better time for employers to focus on the importance of employees’ mental health. Across the country, crisis hotlines are seeing a spike of incoming calls from individuals struggling with mental health concerns.

Mental health issues especially triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessions
• Traumatic stress

Psychologically, stress can cause digestive issues, headaches, sleep disturbances, and more. Not exactly the best conditions for your employees to do their best work.

If you’re interested in learning how to provide support and educate your employees about mental illness, Mental Health Month is the ideal time.

Read on for mental illness facts, the best resources to share, and COVID-19’s effect on mental health.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to focus on health issues in America and in your workplace.

We all know that COVID-19 is taking center stage at the moment.

But underlying health issues are a big part of the concern for those who contract the sometimes deadly virus. People with health concerns like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are more susceptible than ever to getting ill.

Preventable and/or treatable conditions can make it harder to fight off viruses — like Coronavirus. According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, 71% of Americans hospitalized with Coronavirus had an underlying health condition.

Keep promoting your corporate wellness campaigns and health plans. Individuals everywhere are realizing the power of taking an active role in preventing disease.

This post will cover common underlying health conditions, the consequences of each, and the importance of prioritizing lifestyle changes. We have more time than ever to work on these issues.

Here’s a look at why staying on top of preventable diseases is a must for your employees now and in the future.

Employees and employers across the world are getting a taste of working as remote teams.

In the age of social distancing, employers are learning fast that working from home — while a necessity — can also be challenging. Aside from setting up the technology to do it, the biggest challenge employers and employees face now is learning how to communicate effectively.

Plus, working from home can get lonely. That’s why it’s important to make sure you're creating time for your team to emotionally connect during the day.

But you also want your employees to stay focused and productive, right?

It’s a balancing act.

Below we share how to tackle staying connected to your remote team in the most efficient way possible.

Unfortunately, diabetes is a growing issue in America.

In our country, 30.3 million Americans are currently living with diabetes. To bring awareness to the seriousness of this disease, the American Diabetes Association established a single day in March to help the public understand the risk.

Enter American Diabetes Alert Day. This year it’s set for March 24.

Given that nine out of 10 individuals don’t know they have prediabetes, it’s a prime time to educate your employees. This day is the perfect chance to discuss what diabetes is and its lifestyle impacts.

Use this opportunity to educate your employees on diabetes, testing, dangers, complications, and treatments. It's tied to so many other issues — heart health, high blood pressure, vision loss, so it's a must that employees are aware of the consequences of it going unchecked.

Below, we share the facts so you can spread the word on a health issue that has a life-long impact.

Coronavirus is making headlines left and right.

As dizzying as it is to read the daily updates, it’s important for employers to keep common-sense policies in practice during these uncertain times.

That doesn’t mean employers need to panic, but it is a chance to educate.

Coronavirus — also known as COVID-19  — is a new disease that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It’s spreading so quickly because even if a host is carrying it, they may not present symptoms for several days. The virus can also live on surfaces for up to nine days, making it easily transmittable to others.

Want the facts about the virus?

Below, you’ll find your coronavirus cheat sheet for dealing with this health issue in the workplace.

April is National Donate Life Month.

If you’ve gone to the DMV for a driver’s license renewal, you may have been asked if you want to be an organ donor. By checking that little box to say yes, you give permission for your organs to be given to a living person upon your death.  

While 95% of Americans support being a donor, only 58% are registered, according to the nonprofit Donate Life America. Your driver’s license is just one way to do that.

For employers, National Donate Life Month is an ideal time to discuss a variety of topics — not just organ donation registration. Your benefits department can also bring up discussions that often get pushed aside, like estate planning, medical directives, and end-of-life wishes.

If your company offers legal services, now is the time to promote them. Alongside that, you can share resources with employees on both living and deceased organ donation options.

Here’s how you can share more insight into this sensitive yet important topic:

Money issues are stressing your employees out.

A recent survey found that above all other issues — relationships, work, even health concerns — money matters were the most overwhelming to handle.

Even with a stable economy, PwC’s 8th annual Employee Financial Wellness Survey revealed that employees feel cash strapped and debt-heavy. Few employees surveyed felt that their pay was keeping up with the cost of living increases.

The survey also found:

• Most felt they’d be working into retirement
• Student loans are a financial wellness hinderance
• Caring for both parents and kids is costing them 

Below, we dig into the survey findings and offer financial wellness tips for employers to help employees improve their financial well-being.

Your employees are the reason your company is thriving — so why not show them some love on Employee Appreciation Day?

This year, it falls on March 6. That’s a Friday, which makes it the perfect time to have a low-key celebration honoring your employees.

Not only is showing your employees appreciation great for engagement purposes, but it also is a chance to reflect your company culture. 

Plus, it’s healthy for your employees! According to psychological studies, when a person is shown gratitude it can increase their metabolism, lessen stress, and even improve their sleep habits!

Need some affordable and quick ways to show your employees how you adore all that they do in the workplace?

Here are 11 Employee Appreciation Day ideas your employees will love:

February is American Heart Month.

Given the stats behind heart disease, it’s important for employers to participate in education this month. Heart disease claims more American lives than any other health condition.

In fact, every 37 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease.

Since matters of the heart are important, now is the time to discuss risk factors for heart disease with your employees. Cardiovascular disease is ranked as one of the most expensive medical conditions for employers thanks to the costs of medicine, health care services, and lost productivity. This post will cover risk factors for heart disease and foods to eat to lower heart disease risk.

Want to share with your employees how to improve heart health?

Here’s how to reduce risk factors for heart disease:

Diets are all the rage in the new year, but one particular diet technique is gaining traction as a way to boost overall health while also losing weight.

Enter intermittent fasting.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found intermittent fasting is one way to maintain a healthier lifestyle. If you’re looking to lose weight, you may want to turn to intermittent fasting.

But not so fast. 

As with all diets, there are potential risk factors that some individuals may need to keep in mind. Consulting with a health professional will help you decide if the pros outweigh the cons.

Here’s a look at what intermittent fasting is, the benefits of intermittent fasting, and potential risk factors to be aware of before trying this trending diet.

Want to know more? Read on.