Use of a digital health benefit to maintain employees' productivity while trying to conceive

Mental health challenges are prevalent at all stages of the journey to conception and people undergoing fertility treatment have frequent medical appointments, both of which may reduce workplace productivity. A comprehensive digital health platform that provides mental health support and access to virtual healthcare providers may improve employee productivity.

This study examined the associations between 1) use of a digital health platform while trying to conceive, workplace productivity, and mental health management; and 2) mental health management and workplace productivity.

This retrospective cohort study used logistic regression to estimate the association between use of Maven, a comprehensive digital women's and reproductive health platform, and workplace productivity and management of mental health among users who were trying to conceive.

Data were analysed from 1136 users who were trying to conceive. Overall, more time on the platform and reporting that the platform helped with management of mental health were positively associated with odds of reporting maintained productivity (aOR = 1.12, CI = 1.05, 1.19; aOR = 1.52, CI = 1.05, 2.22, respectively). More time on the platform increased the overall odds of reporting better management of mental health (aOR = 1.19, CI = 1.13, 1.26). More time on the platform was associated with maintaining productivity and better management of mental health for users with and without a history of mental health conditions.

A comprehensive digital health platform can help maintain workplace productivity while trying to conceive for employees with and without mental health conditions. Mental health can be supported digitally with mental health-specific supports, educational resources, and access to providers. Digitally accessing resources may also improve productivity by reducing the need to attend in-person provider appointments.