Are you prioritizing your mental health? What about the mental health of your employees?

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 people, globally, experience a mental condition, making it vital that companies have access to mental health resources for their employees. 

We recently adopted one such resource. Earlier this year, we offered employees a free premium subscription to Calm, a popular wellness app. 

Through music, video lessons, audio programs, sound effects and meditation techniques, the app is designed to promote better sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and develop more mindfulness. 

Calm has been downloaded more than 100 million times, and more than 1,500 national and international companies have integrated the app into their wellness programs, including Universal and Lincoln. 

We recently hosted our first mental health challenge that encouraged employees to use their Calm app for the months of May and June for a minimum of 20 hours to win various prizes. These prizes had a mental health theme: a gift card to a spa, a gratitude journal, essential oils, and more. 

In addition to initiatives tied to Calm, we have continued to share mental health resources through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is in collaboration with our Guidance Resources in which employees have access to counseling, legal, and financial services. 

We are also ensuring that our employees are aware of digital providers that are covered by our Cigna medical plans for ease of use as it relates to mental health resources. 

By taking the time to champion and advocate for these resources for our employees, we are demonstrating our commitment to their well-being. Overall, we are looking to improve the lives of our employees, just like our mission of shaping the future of animal health.