Mental Health at Work

Impact and Solutions

By: Kelly Pallanti, SHRM-SCP

Mentally Fit Workplaces

The pandemic has shifted how organizations support their employees and compelled organizations to be proactive in addressing mental health at work. The current employee market wants to work for leaders that care about their total health and wellbeing-a key driver in what was referred to as the “Great Resignation”. This has made Mental Health a top priority when developing organizational learning and development strategies in 2023. To gain a better understanding of the impact, benefits, and solutions to mental health at work Executive Leaders and People Operations/Human Resources must drive what it takes to build psychological health and safety within inclusive workplaces.

The Problem: Poor Mental Health at Work negatively affects the workplace culture and financial loss related to the following:

Stress-related illnesses

Short- and long-term disability

Absenteeism

Benefit utilization rates

Presenteeism

Workers’ compensation claims

Turnover

Return-to-work and accommodation

Employee and family assistance plan use (EFAP)

Workplace conflict

Health and safety infractions

MENTAL HEALTH DISTRESS

An estimated 21.0 million (8.4%) adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode General Anxiety Disorder affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population

Social Anxiety Disorder affects 15 million adults or 7.1% of the U.S. population

In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide More than 40 million Americans were living with a substance use disorder in 2020

1 in 5 U.S. adults report that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health-NAMI

Depression interferes with a person’s ability to complete physical job tasks about 20% of the time -reduces cognitive performance 35% of the time-CDC

47% of employees know about their company’s mental health services but only 38% utilize them-MHA

The effects of neglected mental health and substance abuse cost US businesses roughly $80 to $100 billion per year

The global economy loses approximately

$1 trillion each year due to lost productivity from depression and anxiety

For every $1 invested in evidence-based preventative mental wellness programs, employers can save $2-$4 on other expenses

Each mentally distressed worker costs an employer over $5700 a year in costs related to turnover

Financial

Impact

Direct and Indirect Costs

Employees with depression and inadequate mental health programs miss on average of 27 days per year costing over $4700 for businesses.

Healthcare (Direct Costs) •Medical claims •Pharmaceutical

Lost Productivity (Indirect Costs) • Presenteeism

• Short Term Disability • Long Term Disability • Absenteeism

• Workers Compensation

Visible Costs

Non-Visible

Costs

10

Solutions Leadership and People Manager Sessions • Correctly support employees with mental

health issues

• Lead team discussions on workplace mental health topics

• Identify hazards that cause mental harm • Build a personal mental health support

system

Organization Learning and Development

Workplace Mental Health Training

Human Resources Sessions

• Providing all staff support with mental health issues

• Organization Mental Health Safety Strategies

• Work Culture and Job Design Assessments • Build a personal mental health support

system

Leadership and

People Managers

Human Resources

All Staff

• Correctly supporting co-workers with mental health issues

• Mental health awareness and resilience strategies

All Staff

Benefits

Deliver cost savings; improve productivity and absenteeism

Reduce risks with a Mental Health First Aid Certified workforce

Provide leaders with appropriate level of guidance on how to assist employees

Identify signs of increased stress or burnout in employees to reduce turnover

Be an employer of choice by providing an inclusive workplace that supports mental safety

Start today and TAKE ACTION to support employee’s total health by investing in mental at work learning and development. For more information visit https://www.mentallyfitworkplaces.com