Work-related mental health claims are on the rise, with financial rewards increasing by 700% in the past five years, according to a new report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
Employers face new and changing responsibilities when it comes to providing a psychologically safe workplace and the legal consequences of non-compliance could be costly.
The report, Tracking the Perfect Legal Storm, was released in conjunction with the start of Canada’s healthy workplace month. The first week of October is also mental illness awareness week.
The main finding of the report is employers must provide a physically and psychologically safe workplace.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and burnout can come from the workplace, and sometimes be characterized as mental injury. Several cases are currently being examined in the courts.
Mental illness costs the Canadian economy $51 billion per year, when one considers healthcare costs, lost workdays and work disruptions, according to the MHCC.
“It is the responsibility of both employers and employees to protect and promote mental health in the workplace,” said Dr. Jayne Barker, MHCC’s vice-president of policy and research.
The report estimates that between $2.97 billion and $11 billion could be saved annually in Canada if mental injuries caused by the actions of employers were prevented.
You can read the report online by visiting the MHCC’s website.
