World Mental Health Day: How to Improve Mental Health Support at Work

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day focused on raising awareness about mental health and promoting overall well-being. Awareness is more important than ever, with one in five Canadians facing a mental health challenge in any given year.

It’s important to recognize the signs that an employee might be struggling, such as falling behind on their work, showing a decline in productivity, frequent absences, mood swings, or a noticeable drop in energy. Creating a supportive work environment by investing in mental health resources and offering comprehensive benefits can help employees feel better while improving productivity and engagement.

Mental Health and Workplace Productivity

Mental health plays a significant role in how often employees are absent and how productive they are at work. According to Statistics Canada, mental illness causes at least 500,000 Canadians to miss work each week, which costs the economy about $51 billion every year.

A national survey found that 8.7 per cent of working Canadians reported a mental health-related disability during the first four months of 2021, which was an increase from 6.4 per cent in 2019. Also, over a third of workers are dealing with burnout, which suggests that mental health issues are becoming more common.

One survey found that 75 per cent of working Canadians might hesitate to talk about their mental health with their employer or colleagues, which is a sign of ongoing stigma around mental health in the workplace. This can make it harder for employees to seek the help they need. Providing accessible resources and support can help make a difference.

Investing in mental health programs can help prevent more serious issues, cut down on costs and better support your team. Offering counselling and mental health resources can help employees manage stress and address any problems before they become major issues. When employees feel supported, they’re more engaged and less likely to experience burnout, which can help create a more positive work environment and retain talent.

The Role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are a key resource when it comes to mental health support in the workplace. These programs give employees confidential access to counselling and support for both personal and work-related issues.

Here are some of the benefits of offering an EAP:

• Confidential support: EAPs offer a private space where employees can get professional help for mental health issues without worrying about stigma or judgment. This privacy can make it easier for them to seek support when they need it.
  
• Range of services: EAPs provide a range of services, from mental health counselling to financial and legal advice. This support helps employees address various aspects of their well-being.
  
• Cost-effective: EAPs are often a solid investment and effective way to offer mental health support since they can help employees address any issues early on, which can reduce the need for more costly interventions down the line.

Supporting Your Team

If you’re considering improvements or changes to your mental health support or implementing an EAP, we’re here to help. Contact us today so we can work together to create offerings that support your organization.

Suggested Reading

How EAPs are Expanding to Meet the Needs of Today’s Workforce

Making Mental Health Services Accessible for Canadian Employees

Mental Health at Work: Signs an Employee is Struggling

Additional Resources

Statistics Canada Study: Mental disorders and access to mental health care

Canadians short on access to care for mental health and substance use