May 5 marks the start of Mental Health Week in Canada, which is designed to encourage people to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health. These discussions are increasingly taking place in the workplace, where the focus is on acknowledging, supporting and accommodating employees who experience mental health challenges.
In support of Mental Health Week, Partners for Mental Health announced that 140 organizations are participating in its Not Myself Today workplace initiative.
American employers plan to spend an average of US$594 ($660) per employee on wellness-based incentives within their healthcare programs this year, according to a survey.
Alberta Blue Cross has launched a new website to promote wellness at work.
American workers see workplace wellness programs as essential for keeping their New Year’s resolutions, according to a 2014 poll commissioned by Workplace Options, an employee effectiveness company.
Preventing disease will lead to higher productivity, lower benefit costs, happier employees and a better bottom line, according to Thorpe Benefits.
A study finds that workplace wellness programs can lower healthcare costs in workers with chronic diseases, but components of the programs that encourage workers to adopt healthier lifestyles may not reduce costs or lead to savings.
London Hydro’s focus on wellness sparks improvements in drug plan costs and absenteeism
Stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues have created a new reality—a “new normal”—for employers across Canada. And this new normal is taking a financial toll. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the total economic burden of mental illness in the country is $51 billion annually, with $20 billion resulting from loss of workplace productivity.
Employers are well aware that depression and other mental health issues presently cost Canadian businesses more than $20.7 billion a year.