Behavioral Risk Management an Emerging Area of Concern for Employers

A new white paper released by the Disability Management Employer Coalition looks at attitudes and practices regarding behavioral risk management in the workplace.

Behavioral Risk Management practices are an important emerging area of concern for employers who need to decrease loss and increase profitability, according to a white paper released by the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC). This conclusion is based on the results of a survey of employers in a variety of industries.

DMEC coined the term Behavioral Risk Management in 2006 and established a stage for open discussions related to behavioral absence and productivity initiatives. The core philosophy is to assess behavioral risk in a unique way in order to decrease claim and productivity loss, increase corporate profitability, and increase the quality of life for employees.

As one survey respondent noted, “With improved data integration we can see the lost productivity from comorbid behavioral health problems that we previously suspected. The risk was there before the physical ailment, and addressing the behavioral health risk with an otherwise healthy employee is much more effective.”

Key findings of the survey include:

• Behavioral Risk Management practices are an important emerging area of concern for employers. Fully 90% say behavioral risk management is or may be important to their integrated programs, and 48% have a behavioral component in their program; up from 31% in 2008.

• 36% use a mental health profession for physical cases with an underlying psych comorbidity (up 14% from 2008). Respondents report increasing awareness and success with treating the whole person and less fear of opening “Pandora’s Box.”

• EAP is the most significant program element for Return to Work (RTW), say 65% of survey respondents. EAP can create a bond that strengthens communication and fosters RTW focus.

The white paper can be downloaded from www.dmec.org.

The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is a non-profit organization that advances strategies and resources to improve workforce productivity by minimizing the impact of absence and disability. The primary goal of DMEC is to assist employers in developing cost-saving program and returning employees to productive employment. Visit www.dmec.org for more information about educational publications and events.

Contact Information

Rebecca Milot-Bradford

Membership Development and Marketing Manager

DMEC

Contact via E-mail