Poor mental health is costly to employers

Tuesday, 22 February 2011 16:00

News - Health Care Costs

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Research that was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine revealed that absenteeism stemming from mental illness costs the Canadian economy an estimated $51 billion each year.

Scientists at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) concluded that employees who take short-term disability leave because of mental health issues may cost an organization up to $18,000 in lost productivity and healthcare costs.

Authors of the study said that organizations need to be proactive in improving the health of their workers.

"While it is important to support workers that are on disability leave, it is crucial that businesses make mental health and wellness a priority to prevent disability in the first place," said Carolyn Dewa, lead author of the study and researcher at CAMH.

Dewa added that employee wellness programs should address a healthy balance between work and home, ways to deal with stress and resources for physical fitness.

Additionally, comprehensive employee health benefits that include coverage for mental health care may encourage workers to seek out the help they need before mental problems begin to affect their work ability and quality of life.