P$)$ The first article talks about on the need for workplaces to include Mental Health Benefits. The second article details how mental health absences are on the rise.

$1$st article summary: As winter approaches, mental health is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Challenges include workforce disruption, technology changes, economic pressures, and employee concerns about transparency. The American Psychological Association $($APA$)$ survey found that $92\%$ of employees value their emotional and psychological well$-$being and support for employee mental health. However, $55\%$ of workers believe their workplace environment is mentally healthier than it actually is$.$ Employers should focus on promoting mental health and shaping the work culture, including substance use, breaks, boundaries, and stress. A combination of benefits and policies can create a supportive workplace. Retention is another concern, with $33\%$ of workers intending to look for a new job in the coming year. Unsatisfied employees are more likely to disengage due to stress. Therefore, mental and emotional support is crucial for employee engagement and retention.

$2$nd article summary: Mental health$-$related leaves of absence have surged in the workplace, up $33\%$ in $2023$ compared to $2022,$ according to data from mental health services provider ComPsych. The surge is attributed to the tumultuous events of the past few years, such as COVID, international conflicts, civil unrest, and a volatile economy. Female employees and younger workers are driving the surge, with $69\%$ of mental health$-$related leaves taken by women in $2023.$ Millennial women and Gen X women accounted for $30\%$ of mental health$-$related leaves. Richard Chaifetz, founder, CEO, and chairman of ComPsych, believes that the increase is not surprising given the tumultuous events and individual stressors faced by employees. He suggests that mental health leaves can create problems for employers in managing work but can also be a good sign that employees are more cognizant of prioritizing their mental health. HR teams should invest in mental health resources and support for all employees but may benefit from focusing on female and younger employees and their challenges, such as parenting and caregiving.

$-$Please answer the following questions succinctly and to the point and provide an example to justify the individual$$s way of thinking.

p$.$s$.*$the individual is a medical administrator at a small private practice.

$1)$The SHRM Article references that the rise of mental health related absences is especially high in women and, more specifically, gen X women. The article posits some reasons for this but what does the individual believe to be main motivating factors for this? Does the individual believe that the employers should feel responsible for the well$-$being of their employees? Why or why not?

$2)$As an owner or Compensation Specialist for a large business, how would the individual go about in handling the rising issue of mental health$-$absenteeism at their workplace?