Resources for Business and Industry
Behavioral Health is Important to Business and Industry

• Behavioral Health issues such as stress, family problems, anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, and substance abuse have a major impact on employees and have a direct impact on attendance, productivity, workplace morale, and the bottom line.
• Unfortunately, workplace violence has become an increasing problem. Behavioral Health consultants can help managers learn to recognize potential problems, plan to handle them effectively, and contain legal liability.
• Employee Assistance programs have proven very helpful in maintaining the health and productivity of employees, in improving attendance and job performance, and in helping management deal with difficult employees. Studies have shown a $6 to $7 return for every $1 invested an in employee assistance program.
• When an employee demonstrates significant deterioration from his or her usual baseline or when there is a question regarding an employee’s fitness for duty, an independent evaluation can often be quite useful. A Fitness for Duty evaluation can assist management in identifying employees who need help, help employees get help they would not seek on their own, and often can result in a healthier, more productive employee.
• Traumatic incidents, including industrial accidents and crime, can have serious long-term effects on both victims and bystanders. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is a method for intervening promptly after a traumatic incident in order to minimize the likelihood of long-term distress or disability
• Substance abuse can have a big impact on workplace safety and productivity. Drug free workplace programs can be designed to be consistent with regulations governing employers who receive federal dollars. In addition, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation rewards employers who install drug free programs by reducing premiums.