Strategic HR Interventions in Mental Health: Establishing and Managing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for Healthcare Workers

• In Event: Open Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 13: Stress and Mental Health

Abstract

Healthcare workers are experiencing diverse mental health issues. Few studies examine how HR interventions are linked to the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers. In addition, limited research investigates how establishing and managing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can shape mental health and well-being among healthcare workers. Society is increasingly becoming complex with time, which is adding more mental health issues with the existing mental health conditions. Since healthcare workers are suffering from numerous mental health issues, additional mental health issues will make their situation more vulnerable. In addition, life course transitions may add extra stress for healthcare workers. Thus, this study aims to investigate the strategic HR investment in mental health through establishing and managing EAPs for healthcare workers. In addition, this study assesses how healthcare managers can contribute to reducing mental health conditions for healthcare workers. The expected findings indicate that EAPs implementation is needed for both employees and employers in the healthcare settings. Mental health trained managers, integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion along with micro-macro alliances, may reduce mental health issues for healthcare workers and improve patient services for healthcare organizations.

Authors

• Monir Hossain, Ball State University

• Hosne Tilat Mahal, The University of Alabama at Birmingham