Career transitions trigger more than professional uncertainty. Involuntary job loss contributes to a decrease in psychological, physical, and social well-being, which all have a direct impact on career outcomes during the job search. Traditional outplacement services typically address the practical mechanics of career change, such as resume reviews and coaching, but often overlook the mental foundation that determines success.
The Mental Wellness Multiplier Effect
Studies show that programs combining mental health support with re-employment services produce the most significantly outperform job-search assistance or mental health support alone. The reason is simple and intuitive. Psychological resilience and wellbeing directly influences professional performance, decision-making, and ultimately career trajectory.
This insight drives our partnership with Starbem, a mental health platform designed to provide fast and accessible support to world-class mental health practitioners.
The Mental Wellness and Performance Connection
The impact of mental wellness on professional performance is well-established. In a study of unemployed or underemployed people undergoing therapy for depression, 41% found a new job or went from part- to full-time work by the end of the 16-week treatment, with researchers noting that people who got jobs were more likely to be putting into practice the skills taught in therapy. Professionals with robust mental health demonstrate superior outcomes across key metrics:
- Higher employment rates: A systematic review of 15 randomized controlled trials found that combined interventions using therapeutic methods together with job-search training increased the number of people who get a job compared to those who do not follow an intervention.
- Reduced depression and anxiety: Unemployed individuals are nearly twice as likely to be depressed as their employed counterparts. Many who find new jobs often report a boost in their mental well-being, suggesting that the best way to combat unemployment-related depression is to continue on the job search with proper mental health support.
- Job search self-efficacy and resilience: Therapy teaches specific skills that help not only manage symptoms of depression but also make it more likely that a person will receive a job offer, with the majority using therapy skills to overcome negative thinking holding them back in the job search.
Traditional employee rewards and benefit programs suffer from structural flaws that limit effectiveness. The barriers are systemic. From weeks-long waiting periods, to limited choice in therapeutic matching which often results in poor fit, existing solutions are lacking. Starbem eliminates these obstacles by putting the user in control and providing guaranteed access within 48 hours.
The Starbem Advantage
Starbem’s model complements and reinforces our commitment to supporting individuals to move their careers forward, with fast and accessible mental health support. When we support the whole person through career change, we also improve transition outcomes and enable individuals to build the mental foundation needed for sustained career growth, leadership development, and professional fulfillment.
Starbem centers on three core innovations:
Guaranteed 48-hour access: Book initial sessions within two days, eliminating weeks-long waiting periods that prevent timely support.
Therapist selection: Choose from an extensive directory of licensed professionals based on specialization, background, or simply personal preference. Switch anytime easily.
Ultimate Flexibility: Starbem offers therapy sessions six days per week at hours that can fit anyone’s schedule and can be accessed from anywhere.
Integrating mental wellness into career transition support is about more than expanding benefits. It’s about recognizing that professional success requires a strong psychological foundation.
Get started with Thrive today
Combining proactive mental health support with career transition offerings confers a competitive advantage to both the transitioning employee and the organization. When traumatic events like job loss impact confidence and capability, addressing only practical concerns leaves fundamental challenges unresolved.
Our partnership with Starbem ensures comprehensive support that treats mental wellness as integral to career development, not ancillary to it.
Ready to enhance your outplacement offering with 100+ career services? Schedule a demo to discover how Thrive can improve transition outcomes, protect your brand, and help you build a healthier, happier workforce.
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