Employee Perks and Benefits: What Can I Use to Support my ADHD or Executive Function Coaching?
Do you struggle with ADHD or challenges related to executive function? You might be surprised by the resources available to you through your workplace. A recent study showed that over 70% of employees are unaware of the full range of employee perks and benefits their companies offer. Understanding these options not only helps in maximizing your productivity but can also support your journey towards managing your ADHD or enhancing your executive function skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore various employee benefits that can support individuals with ADHD and the importance of seeking out coaching to leverage these benefits for optimal personal and professional growth. It is important to note that each employer may have different policies and benefits, and it’s important to check with your specific workplace as to what’s available for you.
Understanding the Importance of Employee Perks and Benefits
Employee perks and benefits are essential components of modern workplaces. They go beyond basic salary, providing resources that support the well-being, personal and professional growth, and productivity of employees. While the traditional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are common, many organizations now offer additional perks aimed at promoting specialized support for diverse employee needs, including individual challenges like ADHD and executive function issues.
Benefits such as coaching, mental health services, flexible work hours, and professional development programs can significantly enhance the personal and professional lives of those facing executive function challenges. Understanding how to utilize these offerings can empower employees to thrive and surpass their limitations.
Utilizing Employee Benefits to Access Coaching
So, how can you strategically utilize these employee perks to gain access to coaching or have it funded through your employer? Here are some actionable steps:
Research Your Company’s Benefits: Begin by reviewing your employee handbook or discussing with HR to identify if your company offers financial support for coaching services, including ADHD-specific coaching. Understand what specific benefits are tied to mental health supports such as coaching sessions. Be sure to clarify whether ADHD coaching is covered separately from general mental health or wellness coaching, as they may fall under different benefit categories.
Note: ADHD and Executive Function Coaching with The How Skills are HSA/FSA/HRA-eligible. This means if you have a Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Account, or Health Reimbursement Arrangement with your employer, you can pay for The How Skills using your card from one of these accounts. You can also submit our invoices for reimbursement to your provider if you forget to use the card provided by the company for your subscription.
Initiate a Conversation with HR: Approaching HR can be an instrumental step. Share your specific needs and ask if there are existing programs that provide support for coaching. Expressing your interest in utilizing these resources could prompt your employer to steer you towards suitable options.
Propose Coaching as a Development Tool: Frame your request for coaching as a professional development opportunity that not only aids you personally but would also enhance your overall work efficiency. When you demonstrate how coaching can directly benefit your productivity and contribution to the team, you create a solid case.
Leverage Your Eligibility for Employee Assitance Program (EAP) Services: If your company offers an EAP, inquire if it covers coaching sessions. Sometimes, EAPs provide a limited number of coaching sessions at no cost or low cost, which can be an effective way to utilize these services without financial strain.
Establish a Coaching Relationship to Prove Value: If you are able to secure an initial session funded through employee benefits, be sure to assess and document the improvements in your performance and productivity. Present these findings in follow-up conversations with HR to advocate for further support.
Building a Case for ADHD Coaching in the Workplace
When advocating for ADHD coaching, be prepared to present a compelling argument:
Articulate Clear Benefits: Explain how coaching promotes personal responsibility and helps manage ADHD symptoms, benefiting overall workplace dynamics. Highlight success stories or testimonials from others who have benefited from similar coaching.
Showcase Return on Investment: If you are able to access coaching support, document improvements in your performance or feedback from supervisors. This evidence can serve as a strong argument for additional coaching resources.
Leverage Existing Programs: If your employer has programs focused on mental health or professional development, present coaching as a complement to these initiatives, enhancing their efficiency by providing specialized support.
Recognizing Additional Employee Benefits That Support ADHD
Understanding your specific needs as a person with ADHD is critical to identifying which employee perks and benefits can be most beneficial. Here are some types of perks to look out for:
Mental Health Support: Many employers provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). These programs often cover sessions with therapists, including specialists in ADHD and executive function coaching. A coach can help develop personalized strategies that help in managing symptoms.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible hours or remote work options can improve focus and productivity. This allows individuals to work during their peak mental hours. Communicating with your employer about flexible scheduling can make a significant difference in your performance.
Professional Development Programs: Some companies offer training programs designed to enhance executive function skills. These may include workshops in time management, organization skills, and prioritization which are essential for those with ADHD.
Mindfulness and Wellness Programs: Programs focusing on stress management, such as yoga or meditation sessions, can help individuals manage symptoms of ADHD more effectively. Mindfulness has been shown to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity, making these programs particularly valuable.
Accessible Work Environments: Ergonomic assessments and modifications of workspaces can eliminate distractions and create an environment more conducive to focus. For someone with ADHD, minimizing clutter and distractions is crucial for productivity.
Examples of Companies with Coaching Perks and Benefits
Note: The inclusion of ADHD or Executive Function coaching services under these programs varies by company and may depend on factors such as job role, location, and specific program guidelines. Employees should consult their HR department or internal benefits portal to confirm eligibility and coverage details.
Google – Hall Pass
Program: Hall Pass
Overview: Provides employees with a stipend to spend on personal development and wellness services, which may include ADHD coaching.
Eligibility: Full-time employees; specific eligibility criteria may apply.
Rules: Employees can use the stipend for approved services; reimbursement procedures and annual limits are defined by the program.
Microsoft – Perks+
Program: Perks+
Overview: Offers a range of wellness benefits, potentially covering services like ADHD coaching.
Eligibility: Full-time employees; specifics depend on role and location.
Rules: Employees may need to submit receipts for reimbursement; annual limits and approved services are outlined in the program details.
Meta – Wellness Reimbursement Program
Program: Wellness Reimbursement
Overview: Provides a stipend for health and wellness expenses, which may include mental health services.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Employees can claim reimbursements for eligible expenses; annual caps and approved categories are specified by the company.
Apple – Wellness Benefits
Program: Wellness Reimbursement
Overview: Offers reimbursement for various wellness activities and services.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Specific services covered and reimbursement limits are detailed in the employee benefits guide.
Amazon – Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Program: Resources for Living
Overview: Provides mental health support, which may include counseling and coaching services.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Access to services is typically confidential and free; the scope of services is defined by the EAP.
Salesforce – Wellness Reimbursement Program
Program: Wellness Reimbursement
Overview: Offers a stipend for wellness-related expenses.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Employees can submit expenses for reimbursement; eligible services and annual limits are specified by the company.
Adobe – Wellness Reimbursement Program
Program: Wellness Reimbursement
Overview: Provides reimbursement for various wellness services.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Reimbursement is subject to annual limits and approved service categories.
LinkedIn – PerkUp Program
Program: PerkUp
Overview: Offers a monthly stipend for personal and professional development, which may include coaching services.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Employees can use the stipend for approved expenses; guidelines are provided by the company.
Twitter – Wellness Allowance
Program: Wellness Allowance
Overview: Provides a monthly allowance for wellness-related expenses.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Employees can claim eligible expenses; specific services covered and limits are defined by the program.
Airbnb – Wellness Reimbursement
Program: Wellness Reimbursement
Overview: Offers reimbursement for wellness services.
Eligibility: Full-time employees.
Rules: Reimbursement policies, including eligible services and annual caps, are outlined in the employee benefits information.
So Now What?
Finding and utilizing employee benefits for ADHD and supporting executive function coaching can transform your workplace experience. Whether it's accessing mental health resources, engaging in professional development, or advocating for tailored support programs, the path towards enhancing your productivity through workplace benefits begins with understanding and harnessing what’s available. Check with your company's employee perks and benefits to see if you qualify for ADHD or Executive Function Coaching! Remember, when you take charge of your resources and advocate for your needs, you not only improve your experience but also contribute to creating a more inclusive workplace culture. As you explore these options, remember: a workplace that supports diverse challenges isn’t just good for you; it’s good for everyone involved. The road to personal growth and success is paved with the right support, and leveraging employee perks is a significant step that should never be underestimated. Schedule your FREE coaching consultation today!
