For World Mental Health Day, Group Risk Development (GRiD) wants to highlight the support that’s often available within Group Risk protection products which employers are failing to utilise to the detriment of their staff.

Such services can include support for mental health, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) mental health first aid training and fast-track access to counselling. Yet research from GRiD shows that, on average, 50 percent of employers who offer Group Critical Illness, Group Income Protection and Group Life Assurance don’t make use of the support services that come as part of the contract. 

These support services are usually provided at no extra cost. GRiD is urging employers to make sure they know what’s included within their Group Risk protection products, make sure this is communicated to their staff and to encourage their staff to use the help available. If employers aren’t clear, they should check with their insurer or financial adviser. 

Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD says, ‘Although generally we may be more willing to talk about mental health today, many employees are still reticent to talk to their employer about their own mental health needs. Group Risk protection policies can be a great support by providing direct access to specialists and practical help when it’s most needed, and of course, getting the most out of these services means using them as they are intended – every day. This, in turn, can reinforce the position of a business as a caring organisation as well as giving vital support to people when they most need it.’ 

Many employers and their staff may be aware of the financial support within Group Risk protection policies, but the added-value support services can be equally needed, and valued as highly. GRiD is encouraging employers to particularly communicate the mental health support that’s available to staff and to encourage its use.