GroupHEALTH is leading a shift in employee benefits by making mental health support more proactive, personalized and stigma-free
At Cumberland Brewing Company, the craft is more than just beer; it’s about creating a community where employees feel meaningfully supported inside and outside of work.
Founder and Co-Owner Darren Adam sees access to mental health resources not just as a business decision, but also a reflection of his commitment to cultivating a culture of care. Since Cumberland Brewing partnered with GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions, Adam feels confident knowing there’s a reliable avenue to support employees when needed, and is encouraged that conversations around mental fitness have become openly accepted, fostering a workplace of care, well-being and engagement.
“The support and accessibility that GroupHEALTH has provided has allowed us to better respond to the needs of our team,” Adam explains. ” It’s not just about providing a plan, but truly empowering our people to take care of their mental health.”
Employee mental health has risen from a once-overlooked topic to a critical conversation in workplace culture. According to the 2024 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey, it’s only continuing to decline, with 17% of plan members self-reporting their mental health to be poor in 2024, comparable to 2023 (18%), and down slightly from 22% in 2022. The corporate landscape is clear: organizations that prioritize mental well-being as part of their benefits strategy report higher retention, enhanced engagement and happier teams. Yet, the challenge for employers remains bridging the gap between identifying the need and implementing an effective solution.
GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions is leading a transformative shift in how businesses approach employee mental health. By offering innovative benefits that go beyond the basics, they are redefining delivery methods to make support more accessible, inclusive and effective. They’ve recently introduced sparrow, a virtual healthcare and mental wellness concierge service that expands the offerings of traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). With sparrow, employees get 24/7 access to telemedicine, over 5,000 therapists in 30+ languages and specialized tools like digital iCBT (internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
“We see mental health support as an investment in both our employees and our business. GroupHEALTH makes it easy for us to offer top-tier service while staying within budget. Their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity ensures everyone on our team can fully benefit, with support and open communication that’s available, straightforward and welcoming – anytime, 24/7,” Adam explains.
The pandemic served as a critical turning point in normalizing mental health support, bringing social change and heightened anxieties to the forefront. While these services were always available, the pandemic created space for more open conversations about mental health, breaking down stigma and encouraging employees to seek support they may have previously avoided, which Adam shares is a societal shift he is proud to support.
“We understand the changing needs of today’s workforce,” says Lindsey Gage-Cole, chief transformation officer of GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions. “We’ve expanded our approach from traditional offerings to adding tailored mental health solutions that truly align with what employees need. By focusing on accessible, personalized care, we’re ensuring employees can prioritize their well-being wherever they are.”
Beyond immediate well-being, there’s a compelling business case for investing in mental health services. Studies repeatedly show that comprehensive health benefits help employee recruitment, retention and satisfaction, with 91% of employees valuing their benefits plan’s impact on their overall health and well-being. Adam attests to this, noting how GroupHEALTH’s benefits package has not only retained talent but also helps instill confidence in the team that their employer genuinely cares.
Mental fitness is as key to employee well-being as going to the dentist or getting a massage. Proactive and accessible partnerships with companies like GroupHEALTH can cater to a diverse workforce and help build happy, productive and engaged teams.
To learn more about GroupHealth’s work to improve employee mental health visit, grouphealth.ca/extended-health-benefits.
