The Goal Of This Assignment Is To Identify And Discuss A Social Prob ✓ Solved

The goal of this assignment is to identify and discuss a social problem that affects workers and/or working families. It is essential to identify a current, pending, or newly introduced policy (federal, state, or local) that addresses the social problem and consider how the legislation might affect the workplace and the delivery of human services within the workplace.

During the semester, you will need to identify a social problem that affects workers and/or working families, which will be the focus of three policy-related assignments. For this Social Problem Overview & Social Policy Identification assignment, each student will discuss a specific topic within the social problem chosen to focus on, conduct research on the identified social problem using recent news articles, government documents, and policy briefs, and select a relevant social policy.

The assignment requires you to assess the impact of the selected policy on employers and employees, ensuring that the policy has relevance to workplaces. For this assignment, you must identify policy and note the objectives of the policy, with a brief on this policy to be completed in the next assignment. You will prepare a 6-8 page double-spaced paper following the outlined structure: 1) describe and discuss the overall social problem and 2) identify one public policy that addresses the issue.

The social problem overview and policy identification paper will have two parts:

  1. Social problem overview:

    • Identify the social problem

    • Discuss: what is the problem?

    • Explain: how is the social problem defined?

    • Describe: what is the scope of the problem?

    • Discuss: who defines the problem?

    • Discuss: what underlying causes or factors contribute to the social problem?

    • Describe: how does this problem affect working-age adults and/or working families?

    • Identify the Goal: what is the general goal? Are there sub-goals? Do sub-goals conflict?

  2. Policy Identification:

    • Identify one public policy that addresses your identified social problem.

    • Briefly, what are the objectives of the policies?

The format for the paper is academic, with a minimum of ten references to support your work. Papers should be organized according to the outline above using corresponding sub-headings and will be approximately 6-8 pages in length (double-spaced, not including a separate reference page).

Paper For Above Instructions

Social Problem Overview: Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health has become a significant social problem affecting workers and working families across various industries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are prevalent in workplaces and can lead to substantial consequences for both individuals and organizations (World Health Organization, 2021). The scope of this problem is extensive, as workplaces have become breeding grounds for a range of mental health issues. Stressful work environments, inadequate support systems, and stigma surrounding mental health often contribute to these challenges (Kelloway & Day, 2005).

Defining the problem of mental health in the workplace involves recognizing its complexity. Mental health problems are not only personal struggles; they are often exacerbated by workplace culture, workload, and management practices (Leiter & Maslach, 2004). Employers have the responsibility to create an environment conducive to mental well-being, yet many fail to acknowledge the importance of mental health support within the workplace.

Underlying factors that contribute to mental health issues in the workplace include high job demands, long hours, and lack of autonomy (Kahn & Byosiere, 1992). Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents individuals from seeking help or disclosing their struggles to employers. This lack of openness further perpetuates the problem, as employees may suffer in silence. The impact of poor mental health is profound, affecting productivity, employee morale, and overall organizational success (Dewa et al., 2014).

Importantly, mental health issues do not exist in isolation. They affect working-age adults and their families, leading to increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and healthcare costs (Harnois & Gabriel, 2000). Families may also bear the consequences of these challenges, as mental health struggles can strain personal relationships and financial stability. Given the increasing recognition of mental health as a vital component of overall health, it is crucial to understand the general goal of addressing this social problem.

The overarching goal is to create a healthier workplace environment where mental health is prioritized, and employees receive adequate support. This includes reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and implementing supportive policies and practices. Sub-goals that need to be met to achieve this general goal include implementing mental health training for managers, establishing mental health resources, and ensuring employees have access to appropriate services (Wang et al., 2010). However, challenges arise, such as financial constraints and organizational resistance to change, which can lead to conflicting sub-goals.

Policy Identification: The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

To address the identified social problem, one significant piece of federal legislation is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008. This act mandates that mental health and substance use disorder benefits be provided on par with medical and surgical benefits in health insurance plans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). This legislation is crucial as it aims to eliminate discriminatory practices that have historically placed mental health care at a disadvantage compared to physical health care.

The main objective of the MHPAEA is to ensure that individuals seeking mental health treatment have equal access to care without facing higher costs or unfavorable treatment limitations compared to those accessing physical health care. This includes establishing equal copayments, deductibles, and treatment limitations for mental health services, thereby promoting greater utilization of necessary interventions (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020).

By providing equal coverage for mental health services, the MHPAEA can significantly impact the workplace. Employers may find that improved access to mental health support leads to reduced absenteeism, heightened employee satisfaction, and ultimately a more productive workforce (Nguyen et al., 2018). Furthermore, the act sends a message that mental health is as important as physical health, thereby contributing to a shift in workplace culture towards greater mental health awareness and acceptance.

In conclusion, mental health in the workplace continues to be a pressing social issue that requires ongoing attention and action. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act serves as an essential step toward achieving equity in mental health care access. By recognizing the implications of mental health on workers and working families and addressing it through effective policies, we can foster healthier work environments that benefit all stakeholders.

References

  • Dewa, C. S., Lin, E., & Jacobs, P. (2014). How does the economic burden of mental illness impact workplace productivity? Healthcare Management Forum, 27(4), 185-190.

  • Harnois, G., & Gabriel, P. (2000). Mental health and work: Impact, issues, and good practices. International Labour Organization.

  • Kahn, R. L., & Byosiere, P. (1992). Stress in organizations. In M. D. Dunnette & L. M. Hough (Eds.), Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (pp. 570-650). Consulting Psychologists Press.

  • Kelloway, E. K., & Day, A. (2005). Building healthy workplaces: What we know so far. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 46(3), 143.

  • Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2004). Areas of Worklife: A Structured Approach to Organizational Predictors of Job Burnout. Research in Occupational Stress, 17, 91-134.

  • Nguyen, H. T., et al. (2018). The impact of mental health on workplace productivity: A systematic literature review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 15(1), 80.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). The Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov

  • Wang, J. L., et al. (2010). The impact of workplace mental health on productivity: Evidence from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 101(3), 231-235.

  • World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.who.int