why is workplace mental health so important?
According to the Canadian Health Commission of Canada:
One in five Canadians struggle with mental health
500,000 employees weekly not able to work due to mental health issues
Canadian employees cite workplace stress as the primary reason for mental health issues
According to a 2019 Deloitte Study conducted on the estimated cost of poor mental health in the workplace in Canada:
Annual economic cost in CAD is at least $50 billion
Annual indirect cost related to lost productivity in CAD $6 billion
Number of workers unable to work due to poor mental health $500k/week
what is the value in investing in workplace mental health?
What difference would it make to your business to take a proactive approach to mental health? Research indicates that companies that make investments in employee mental health have more productive workers, and pay out less in benefits to cover their share of the cost of workers struggling with mental health issues. Positive return on investments can you expect if you invest in mental health:
Improved job performance and productivity;
increased engagement with one’s work;
enhanced communication with coworkers; and
improved physical capability and daily functioning.
While some workplaces have taken the route of having a dedicated mental health staff person, this is not a necessary investment in order to implement an effective workplace mental health campaign. I offer support and guidance to develop and implement a mental health strategy grounded in best practice. Together we develop affordable initiatives and interventions that respond to the unique needs of your staff and to align with your business priorities.
how can I help you make this investment wisely?
Supporting Canada's top employers to be pioneers in workplace mental health by offering expertise as a mental health leader and by bringing my track record of developing innovative, cost-efficient programs to companies that already understand the importance of a mentally healthy workforce.
What you can expect from me:
Evaluation of existing mental health programs;
recommendations for investments in proactive programs that promote positive mental health;
advice for prioritizing initiatives in the highest impact areas, such as leadership training and return-to-work programs;
key performance tracking of indicators and calculating ROI to demonstrate the financial and non-financial benefits of mental health programs; and
use of data analytics to evaluate adoption rate and desired impact and adapt programs based on results.
how has covid-19 affected workplace mental health?
There are multiple ways in which employee mental health is being affected by COVID-19. Public-facing essential workers face the fear of increased risk of transmission and the exhaustion of attending to others during a pandemic. Non-essential workers encounter job uncertainty, financial and familial stress and loneliness. Now, more than ever, there is an opportunity for organizations to provide effective mental health support to reduce the onset of chronic mental health conditions. The benefits of providing a proactive approach to mental health during COVID-19 include:
avoid an steep increase in short- and long-term disability claims;
enhance agility, resilience, and adaptability to new circumstances thereby maintaining productivity; and
create opportunities to receive support thereby decreasing episodes of depression and anxiety.
The psychological trauma that COVID-19 has thrust upon millions will have long-lasting effects will continue even after the acute portion of this pandemic ceases. By offering mental health support during the pandemic, organizations will be better able to support their staff in returning to work effectively and efficiently.