When employees decide to seek help for life’s challenges through their Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”), accessibility and convenience become crucial factors in whether they follow through. Traditional barriers—including scheduling difficulties, travel constraints and privacy concerns—often prevent people from accessing the support they need.

Magellan Healthcare’s EAP provides five different ways to access counseling: in-person, video, phone, text messaging and live chat.

This multi-modal strategy recognizes people with different comfort levels, scheduling constraints, geographic limitations and communication preferences when seeking help. By meeting individuals where they are—whether they prefer the personal connection of face-to-face sessions, the convenience of video calls or the immediate back-and-forth of live chat—organizations help remove critical barriers to entry for EAP services.

This flexibility increases initial engagement and improves ongoing participation, as individuals can seamlessly transition between modalities as their needs evolve or circumstances change. The result is an inclusive, accessible mental health support ecosystem that serves employees and their families more effectively, ultimately leading to better individual outcomes and greater value for the organization.

Offering multiple counseling modalities delivers several key business benefits:

• Increased utilization rates: When employees can access services on their terms, program participation rises by an average of 31% (Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2023)
• Reduced barriers to entry: 67% of employees who would not pursue traditional therapy report a willingness to use digital mental health services (Harvard Business Review, 2024).
• Enhanced productivity: Access to appropriate mental health support can recover up to 27 productive workdays per employee annually (American Psychological Association, 2024)

For organizations EAP support is not just a benefit—it is a strategic investment with measurable returns. By offering multiple pathways to mental wellness, employers demonstrate commitment to their workforce while protecting their bottom line.

Magellan Healthcare focuses on connecting employees and their families to services that are accessible, responsive and holistic—and helping businesses build the healthy, engaged workforce they need to thrive.

Ready to learn how comprehensive mental health support can benefit your organization? Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Employers.

On March 27, 2025, Faith Best, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services at NeuroFlow, led an energizing 15-minute webinar, Invest in Rest, exploring the critical role sleep plays in overall wellbeing. This dynamic session offered practical insights to help participants recognize the signs of poor sleep and discover simple, effective strategies to improve bedtime routines.

Whether you joined us live or are catching up now, this recap highlights key takeaways from the session, empowering you to prioritize sleep to improve your daily life and long-term health. Let’s get started!

What is the connection between sleep and mental and physical health?

The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. Approximately one-third of Americans are chronically sleep-deprived, a number that continues to rise as screen time, working hours and stress levels increase. As a result, both the duration and quality of sleep are declining, impacting physical and mental health in expected and unexpected ways.

During sleep, the body undergoes essential maintenance processes that cannot occur while awake. This includes memory consolidation, cognitive processing, immune system strengthening and hormone regulation, including stress hormones.

Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. It can impair brain function, decision-making and reaction time. The fogginess and fatigue from inadequate sleep are well known, and poor sleep has also been shown to increase anxiety and depressive symptoms. This can create a vicious cycle where heightened stress and low mood further disrupt sleep, worsening overall mental health.

A recent study by NeuroFlow found that deteriorating sleep was even associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Sleep deprivation can feel torturous, and its effects on the body and mind are profound. Prioritizing sleep is essential for overall wellbeing.

What are some ways to improve sleep quality if getting more hours of sleep isn’t an option?

When it’s time to sleep, the mind can start racing, or restlessness can make it difficult to relax and take advantage of the time available. Here are two techniques—one focused on the mind and one on the body—that can help improve relaxation and sleep.

The first technique is called “worry time.” It’s common for anxious thoughts to surface at bedtime, even if they do not appear throughout the day. A proven method to reduce nighttime worry is to schedule a specific time to focus on those thoughts during the day. Choosing a consistent time, such as during a commute or another daily routine, can help. Setting a reminder can also reinforce this habit. During that scheduled time, allow worries to come, acknowledge them, and reflect on them. Then, if those thoughts arise at night, it becomes easier to remind the mind that time has already been set aside for them, reducing their intrusion at bedtime.

The second technique is progressive muscle relaxation, which helps the body release tension before sleep. Even when lying down, muscles may remain tense due to stress, pain or habitual posture. This method involves consciously relaxing different muscle groups one at a time. Starting from the toes and moving upward, tense each muscle group for a few seconds while inhaling, then release the tension while exhaling. Continuing this process through the entire body can significantly improve relaxation. For those new to the technique, guided videos can be found online to walk through the process. This practice not only helps relax the body but also serves as a mindfulness technique, increasing awareness of physical sensations and creating a sense of calm that prepares the body and mind for restful sleep.

How can I calm down for bed, so I wake up rested?

Many adults expect to easily fall asleep after a long day of working, parenting, watching TV or scrolling through social media. However, just like children benefit from a bedtime routine, adults also need a way to transition into restful sleep.

Consistency is one of the most important factors in quality sleep. While it’s widely known that seven to nine hours of sleep per night is recommended, the consistency and quality of that sleep are just as crucial. A regular bedtime and wake-up time help the body establish a rhythm, allowing it to function optimally.

Building a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation is key. Just as children wind down with a bath or bedtime story, adults can incorporate activities that calm the mind and body. This could include progressive muscle relaxation, stretching or other relaxation methods that work best for individual needs.

For those who experience discomfort, such as back or hip pain, incorporating a short stretching routine before bed can be beneficial. A simple 10-minute stretch can not only relieve physical tension but also help signal to the mind that it’s time to unwind. When a routine becomes a habit, the body begins to recognize the cues and prepares for sleep more effectively.

Preparing the mind for sleep is just as important as preparing the body. Activities like journaling, meditation or scheduling time to process thoughts can help clear the mind before bed. Writing down worries or reflections can create a sense of closure for the day, making it easier to relax.

Keeping routines as simple as possible increases the likelihood of sticking to them. Mobile applications can be valuable tools for guiding activities like stretching or relaxation, eliminating the burden of planning your next steps. The NeuroFlow app is particularly effective, offering guided videos for yoga, meditation and breathing exercises to support relaxation. For those seeking structured sleep improvement techniques, digital cognitive behavioral therapy programs like Magellan Healthcare’s Restore provides step-by-step guidance, including proven techniques and exercises designed to improve sleep quality. Finding the right tools to simplify and support a sleep routine can make all the difference in achieving restful, restorative sleep.

How does technology like screen time impact our ability to get quality rest and what can we do to minimize its quality?

Many apps and videos are designed to be engaging and stimulating, encouraging continued use rather than promoting relaxation. This can make it more difficult to fall asleep. The most effective approach is to avoid screens for about 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Utilizing phone settings to limit notifications or restrict access to certain apps can help minimize distractions and reduce the temptation to use screens at bedtime.

The connection between sleep and both mental and physical health is undeniable. Quality sleep is essential for the body to perform vital maintenance processes, from cognitive functioning to immune support and stress regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of serious health issues, both physically and mentally, including heart disease, impaired brain function and mood disorders like anxiety and depression. While factors such as stress and screen time may disrupt sleep, there are strategies to improve both the quantity and quality of rest. Techniques like “worry time” and progressive muscle relaxation, along with consistent bedtime routines, can significantly enhance relaxation and readiness for sleep. Reducing screen time before bed further supports this process. Prioritizing and improving sleep habits is an investment in overall wellbeing, making it essential to incorporate restful practices into daily life for better health outcomes.

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here.

Source: CDC

In today’s workplace environment, employee mental health has emerged as a critical factor affecting organizational performance and success. Digital mental health platforms are increasingly being adopted as effective tools to support employee wellbeing while simultaneously improving business outcomes. Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing Program, powered by NeuroFlow, is a core component of our Employee Assistance Program and a strategic solution that transforms mental health support from a cost center into a productivity driver.

Understanding the Business Impact of Mental Health Challenges

Recent research has revealed the significant economic implications of mental health issues in the workplace:

• The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually in lost productivity (2022)
• Employees working while struggling mentally (presenteeism) experience an average 8% productivity decline (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2023)
• Healthcare costs for employees with untreated mental health conditions are typically 20% higher (Milliman Research Report, 2020)
• Employee turnover related to burnout and mental health issues costs organizations an estimated $3,000 per employee annually (SHRM/Kronos Study, 2021)

How Digital Mental Health Solutions Are Addressing These Challenges Head-On

Modern digital mental health solutions deliver value across multiple dimensions:

1. Healthcare Cost Reduction – Digital tools that help employees track mood, sleep patterns and pain levels while building coping skills can identify mental health concerns before they escalate. The American Journal of Managed Care has found that early digital interventions can reduce overall healthcare costs by 15-23%.
2. Productivity Improvements – Access to evidence-based relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and stress management tools directly translates to improved performance and reduced absenteeism. A 2023 Deloitte analysis revealed that companies investing in digital mental health resources saw a $4.20 return for every dollar spent through productivity enhancements.
3. Talent Attraction and Retention Benefits – In today’s competitive labor market, organizations that demonstrate commitment to employee wellbeing gain an edge in recruiting and retaining valuable talent. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, 61% of employees consider mental health benefits “very important” when evaluating job opportunities.
4. Privacy and Accessibility Considerations – Effective digital mental health platforms should be HIPAA-compliant and accessible via multiple channels, ensuring all employees can benefit regardless of technology access. Strong confidentiality measures should protect sensitive health information while still providing organizational leaders with anonymized, aggregate insights.

A Strategic Business Decision

Mental health initiatives aren’t simply about compliance or expanding employee benefits—they represent strategic investments that directly impact operational excellence, innovation capacity and organizational resilience.

Investing in digital emotional wellbeing empowers employees to manage stress, build resilience and improve overall mental health—leading to a healthier, more productive workforce. Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing Program, powered by NeuroFlow, offers accessible, evidence-based tools such as digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT), mindfulness techniques and behavior tracking to support employees anytime, anywhere.

With proactive engagement features like gamification, rewards and automated check-ins, employees stay actively involved in their wellbeing journey. Employers also benefit from enterprise-level reporting that highlights workforce wellbeing trends while maintaining confidentiality. Prioritizing emotional wellbeing not only enhances workplace culture but also drives long-term business success.

By implementing comprehensive digital mental health solutions, organizations aren’t just supporting employee wellbeing—they’re making evidence-based investments in their company’s performance and long-term success.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

Sources:

• World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health and Work: Impact, Issues and Good Practices.
• Hemp, P. (2023). “Presenteeism: At Work—But Out of It.” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 65(3), 252-263.
• Milliman Research Report. (2020). “How do individuals with behavioral health conditions contribute to physical healthcare costs?”
• Society for Human Resource Management & Kronos. (2021). “Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures.”
• Mordecai, D., et al. (2021). “Digital Mental Health Interventions: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.” American Journal of Managed Care, 27(5), 196-203.
• Deloitte UK. (2023). “Mental health and employers: The case for investment – pandemic and beyond.”
• Gallup. (2023). “State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report.”

Employees spend a significant amount of time at work. When they struggle with personal or professional challenges, their performance, engagement and overall wellbeing can suffer, directly impacting an organization’s success. Organizations that provide counseling services can create a more resilient, productive and healthy workplace.

The business case for employee counseling

When employees have access to mental health support, organizations typically experience:

• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.
• Improved workplace productivity.
• Enhanced employee retention.
• Stronger team dynamics.
• Lower healthcare costs.
• Increased employee engagement.
• Better workplace morale.

Counseling can transform lives

Counseling services, such as those provided by Magellan Healthcare, offer employees practical support, education and guidance on various issues. Common challenges include work-related stress and burnout, anxiety and depression, team conflicts, relationship issues, work-life balance struggles, family and parenting difficulties, grief and loss, substance use concerns and sleep problems impacting productivity.

Flexible solutions for today’s workplace

Counseling helps individuals understand challenging issues, learn more about themselves, learn more about how to develop and maintain healthy relationships, develop better coping skills and work toward meaningful solutions. It is essential to offer a variety of convenient formats. Magellan Healthcare’s counseling services are available in-person (i.e., in the client’s local area) or through virtual therapy (provided by BetterHelp) and can be accessed in the following formats:

• Live video sessions – times are scheduled with therapists, and include voice and video.
• Text messaging – therapists provide feedback, insights and guidance based on client messages submitted.
• Live chat – provides the convenience and privacy of messaging but in a “live” interaction that allows instant response and feedback from counselors.
• Live phone sessions – times are scheduled between members and counselors to talk about issues needing attention.

This flexibility ensures that employees can access support without disrupting their work schedules or compromising their privacy.

The path forward

Investing in employee mental health through counseling services demonstrates a commitment to workforce wellbeing. At Magellan Healthcare, we support employees and their household members by providing access to counseling that helps maintain mental health, manage work-related challenges and perform at their best.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

Whether we believe in the concept of self-esteem or not, it is clear that feeling good about ourselves contributes to overall well-being. High self-esteem is associated with positive emotions, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose. Conversely, low self-esteem can lead to negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. So, how can you stay on the good side of the self-esteem ledger?

• Remember your “wins.” Remind yourself of the remarkable things you have done, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Know that you can succeed again!
• Always build a better you. As you examine your vision for the future, keep developing positive habits that help you achieve those desires. You’ll experience personal growth, plus meet your goals and achieve new heights.
• Wield compliments well. When someone praises you for your qualities or a job well done, fully accept those thanks and pass them on to help others feel good as well. Positivity is contagious!
• Don’t seek perfection. Remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Pick yourself back up and keep pursuing your goals. They’re worth it!

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call you program for confidential mental health resources.

Emotional wellbeing: An essential element of resilience

Here are some strategies to enhance emotional wellbeing and adapt to change:

• Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay present and reduce stress.
• Set realistic goals. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Prioritize self-care. Make time for activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, exercise or spending time in nature.

On January 21, 2025, Dr. Annetta Davenport, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, led an engaging 15-minute webinar designed to help participants restore balance and boost their overall wellbeing. This dynamic session, titled Reset Your Energy, offered practical insights into the importance of mental wellbeing, actionable strategies to improve outlook and simple techniques to rediscover positivity in daily life.

Whether you joined us live or are catching up now, this recap will highlight key takeaways from the session, empowering you to regain focus and approach each day with renewed energy and a positive mindset. Let’s dive into how small changes can lead to big transformations!

What is mental wellbeing and why does it matter?

Mental wellbeing is our sense of being present at any moment and is essential for thriving, not just surviving. Thriving supports growth, allowing us to expand our potential, adapt to change and live a meaningful life. Positive feelings like happiness, contentment and hope help us flourish, even when circumstances are challenging. Experts identify three components of mental wellbeing: emotional (our feelings and ability to manage them), psychological (values, sense of self and cognitive functioning), and social (our connections, relationships and sense of belonging). To nurture wellbeing, we can focus on nutrition, quality sleep and mental stimulation to support brain health while choosing positive approaches to challenges.

What are some ways to improve mental wellbeing and build resilience?

To enhance mental wellbeing, it is important to create a plan tailored to you. Start by monitoring your emotions, identifying patterns over time and expanding your emotional vocabulary to better understand your feelings. Next, prioritize regular social engagement—whether one-on-one or in groups—and focus on meaningful interactions by asking open-ended questions to deepen connections. Finally, support brain health through physical activities, mental exercises like puzzles or memory games and other practices that strengthen cognitive functioning. A deliberate approach to emotional awareness, social connection and mental stimulation can foster a balanced and thriving sense of well-being.

As we start a new year, many of us may feel the post-holiday slump or the “winter blues.” What are some simple strategies and techniques to help boost productivity and recharge during this time?

To combat the post-holiday slump or winter blues, one effective technique is using “I statements” to express emotions constructively. For example, saying, “I feel sad about missing the recital, but could you videotape it for me?” shares feelings, identifies their cause and invites social connection for support. Another approach is to focus on what’s working rather than dwelling on challenges. Redirect your energy to solutions and maintain a positive outlook by appreciating the resources and opportunities you already have. By shifting your mindset and engaging others, you can stay motivated and resilient.

What do you do when your natural disposition is that the glass is half empty?

If you tend to see the glass as half empty, forcing positivity isn’t the answer. Instead, start by acknowledging that your feelings are valid – it’s perfectly okay not to be naturally optimistic. Consider working with a counselor who can help you explore these feelings and develop strategies that feel authentic to you. A counselor can help you build skills to manage negative thoughts without pretending they do not exist. Small steps, like simply noticing one neutral thing each day (not even positive, just neutral), can be more helpful than trying to flip a switch to positivity. The goal is not to become a different person or to suddenly become optimistic – it is to develop tools that work for you while honoring who you are.

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here.

At a time when workplace distraction and stress have never been a greater impediment to productivity, it would be ideal to have a resource that could help employees deal with specific issues that may be holding them back in work or personal areas.

Magellan’s Wellbeing Coaching targets problem areas for employees and helps them achieve resolutions that clear the way for improved performance.

Workplace inattention

60% of employees can’t go 30 minutes without getting distracted (Fortune 2024) and employees lose over 5 work hours per week thinking about stressors (American Psychological Association).

What is Wellbeing Coaching?

This service, part of Magellan’s Employee Assistance Solution, helps employees and their family members focus on and manage challenging issues, build their resilience and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Each Magellan Wellbeing Coach is a board certified coach (BCC) through Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and receive continual training and supervision to improve their skills and areas of expertise.

How does it work?

In confidential sessions conducted by phone or video, Wellbeing Coaches engage employees by listening and using motivational interviewing to help them clarify their goals and objectives, identify their relevant strengths and recognize potential roadblocks to goal attainment. Coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled based on the employee’s needs, with 30-minute follow up sessions usually once every two weeks.

Wellbeing Coaches assist employees in developing customized plans to achieve their goals via a strengths-based approach, building on the positive inner resources of an individual to make changes. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in managing their wellbeing through making behavioral changes and being accountable for their progress.

Providing a different perspective

We’re often consumed by our own opinions, life experiences and way of thinking. A coach can provide a new and often helpful perspective on things (INLP Center).

How does Wellbeing Coaching benefit employers?

Wellbeing Coaching motivates and empowers employees to take action to feel fulfilled in all aspects of their lives. When they focus on wellbeing in one area, other areas naturally improve, and employees experience increased confidence, engagement and loyalty. This supports a healthier, more present workforce.

Proven results

Magellan Healthcare members report a 96% overall satisfaction rating. The 4.8-out-of-5 rating includes Overall Service Quality, Achieving Goals, Coach Helpfulness, Coach Responsiveness and Resources Provided. These results demonstrate a tangible positive impact for employees and their families.

Learn more about Magellan’s Employer Solutions

With the start of a new year, it helps to assess not only your physical health but your mental wellbeing, too. Mental wellbeing serves as a foundation for all your activities, and it is important to get your thoughts and emotions pointed in a positive direction.

• Check in with yourself. If the recent holidays have left you feeling mentally conflicted or rattled, confide in a supportive loved one or a mental health professional. You are not alone!
• Get a gratitude start. While it is easier to spot the negative aspects of life, do not forget to make note of the great gifts you have each day—health, family, friendships, purpose, appreciation of nature and more.
• Ramp up self-care, particularly during stressful times. To unplug from stress, decrease your screen time, get outdoor exercise and spend time with loved ones.
• Take a trip. The bleak midwinter can sometimes be a drag. So, schedule a long weekend away where you take in new sights and sounds. This refreshment is great for your mental wellbeing!

Emotional wellbeing: Managing your emotions.

Your ability to handle daily life and major life events is heavily influenced by your emotional wellbeing. Thus, it is important to find ways to keep your emotions on as even a keel as possible. When confronted with uncertainty, know that you have been resilient before and can use the tools of resilience again to minimize your levels of stress and anxiety.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental
health resources.