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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 , 2 0 2 1 F O C U S H E A LT H C A R E / W E L L N E S S assessing their performance in support- ing employee mental health, "the smart and people-first companies will be sure to do so going forward." One way to assess is to track how much accrued but unused vacation or other paid time off is left on the table on a quarterly and annual basis. Low to no usage of paid time off needs to be addressed. Another way is to actively review how Employee Assistance Programs are being used. EAP usage by employees has historically been very low, since most companies only make employees aware of the program at open enrollment each year. McVeigh also recommends employ- ers ask their employees how they are doing in supporting their needs and what they could be doing better. Covetrus reviews employee use of mental health supports to ensure the programs they offer are meeting needs. "Along with greater access and pro- gram offerings, the company has seen an increasing trend in virtual [mental health provider] visits," says Finer. First steps For companies interested in either starting or improving their men- tal health support to staff, McVeigh recommends connecting with their health insurance brokers for available resources and to make sure those are regularly communicated. "Also ensure that leaders lead by example by taking their own discon- nected time off from work to recharge, refresh and renew," says McVeigh. "And then they can share with their employees how great it is to have taken that time off." It's important that employers don't send mixed messages to their employees by recognizing and praising employees who call in to conference calls while on vacation or cut vacations short because of business demands. Instead, make sure employees plan for and actually take disconnected time off from work, and praise them for that. "When so many of our teams are working remotely, we really need to build in space for ourselves and each other to disconnect," says Finer, who goes mountain biking or paddle boarding to recharge. "is is some- thing we need to do more at Covetrus — it's easier said than done, and it continues to be a core focus for me at work and in my personal life." Catie Joyce-Bulay, a freelance writer, can be reached at editorial @ mainebiz.biz Since 1995, The MEMIC Group has recognized the best-in-class employers for safety excellence in workers' compensation. Nearly 200 of the company's 22,000 policyholders have earned the honor for demonstrating: ð Low claims frequency ð Low lost-time claims ð Evidence of downward loss trends ð MEMIC loss control services/actions implemented ð Identified objective safety program improvement(s) and/or sustainability Our vision is to provide workers' compensation insurance and safety training services to employers who believe protecting and strengthening their workforce is critical to success. If you are that kind of employer and are ready to partner with an insurance company that has relentless commitment to safety, contact your Maine independent insurance agent. AND THE 2021 WINNER OF THE MEMIC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY IS… Could your company be judged among the best? MEMIC.COM Ask your independent agent for a MEMIC proposal. Real connection J ob insecurity is high on the list of rea- sons for decreased employee mental health. Last year 54% of Americans feared they may lose their job due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Sometimes simple connections and open communication can go a long way in alleviating these fears. Dustin Finer of Covetrus suggests encouraging com- pany leaders to find ways to connect to their employees "in a genuine way, especially for remote workers – call your employees, ask them how they are doing, and plan for regular non-work- related conversations." Covetrus also created a $1 million hardship fund to assist employees with financial hardships associated with COVID. At Bangor Savings Bank, CEO and President Bob Montgomery-Rice leads regular company-wide calls to connect with his employees. "Bob's calls each week, sometimes twice a week, were what kept us all going," says Jeannie Stanhope, Bangor Savings Bank's Biddeford branch manager. "The transparency, updates, good news, projections, appreciation, and kindness shown by our BSB team was remarkable. I will always remember hearing Bob say 'nobody is going to lose their job and nobody is going to miss a paycheck'. That was all the reas- surance most of us needed, yet our CX and HR teams pulled together to offer us so much more." P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y C OV E T R U S Dustin Finer at Covetrus goes mountain biking or paddleboarding to recharge.

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