Local HR provider partners with unique mental health startup

PuzzleHR, a Tampa-based human resources solutions platform, recently partnered with a text-based mental health assistance mobile app to provide client organizations with on-demand support.

The agreement follows increasing research showing that a lack of mental health support severely impacts productivity – particularly among Gen Z employees. Absenteeism increased 33% from 2022 to 2023.

New York City-based Counslr offers unlimited, around-the-clock live texting sessions with licensed mental health care professionals. Chris Timol, cofounder and president of PuzzleHR, said his company is excited to “serve as a robust distribution channel” for the startup’s services.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Counslr because we know employees are every company’s best resource, and we believe in taking care of their mental wellness,” Timol told the Catalyst. “Work often impacts mental health.”

PuzzleHR is a national company that provides human resource solutions as a service. Timol said the outsourcing firm’s clients have over 150,000 employees, a “constantly growing” number.

He called Counslr’s services and text-based delivery model unique. Timol said the platform “caught our eye,” and he invited the startup’s leadership to participate in a Summer HR Symposium.

That led to a formal partnership. Timol said Counslr will offer discounted pricing to PuzzleHR’s clients.

“Everyone needs someone to talk to – whether for a few minutes or a few months, we all need support,” Timol added. “People are busy, making it easy to forget to take care of ourselves.

“Creating a happy workplace starts with happy employees.”

Josh Liss, CEO of Counslr, eagerly anticipates the exposure to hundreds of new organizations. He also noted that over 84% of the platform’s users have never utilized previously available mental health resources.

Enrollees can schedule an appointment or receive on-demand private support with a licensed counselor. The platform’s algorithms match users with mental health professionals according to relevant expertise.

“Fundamentally, supporting the well-being of your workforce is the right thing to do, but it’s also good business,” Liss said. “Mental health challenges directly impact employee productivity, healthcare costs and absenteeism.”

Over 84% of Counslr’s current users have never utilized available mental health resources. Image provided.

Liss added that providing mental health resources would generate a “meaningful” return on investment. He and Timol believe that is particularly true with a new generation of employees.

Liss said society’s “always on” culture – fueled by a constant stream of online content and social media posts – has made it nearly impossible for employees to unplug and reset their brains. He expects that to increase burnout rates.

Timol noted that Gen Z employees are “new entrants to workplaces that are still adjusting to the aftereffects of Covid” and continuous technological advances. He said many are also unsure of how to receive help.

“This instability, plus a lack of guidance, results in a high level of burnout,” Timol said. “Counslr lets employees take control of their mental health journey when it’s convenient for them.”

Liss said Counslr is essentially fighting fire with fire by providing always-on mental health support in a way familiar to younger generations – via text message. That allows users to receive help where they are and encourages the “use of technology for good.”

While based in Tampa, PuzzleHR is a national company with employees in 40 states and four countries. However, Timol still considers it a startup and part of a flourishing local tech ecosystem.

“Tampa and St. Pete have some of the brightest minds and some of the biggest ideas anywhere in the U.S.,” he added. “With a little more incubation support, ‘Silicon Bay’ could become a thing.”