Everywhere you look there is dialogue about Mental Health, Work-Life Balance, and the costs of Depression and Mental Illness to society.

What can any employer do at a personal level? Sure, a major Employer with 1000 employees can implement wellness initiatives, health fairs, fitness challenges, and so on… but what can  small employers do to identify a problem in their workplace and begin to solve it?

A 2008 statistic estimates the cost of Mental illness to be $51 Billion per year!  “They” say 1 in 5 employees has a mental issue of some kind.  The economic burden on Employers from absences, lost productivity, and actual disability claims is estimated to be an eye-popping $20 Billion per year.  That’s right… Billion with a “B”.

Unfortunately stigma or discrimination attached to mental illness presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.

However, mental illnesses can be treated effectively.  Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities.

Children suffer as well.  In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them.  It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.

For more stats on this major issue, check out the Canadian Mental Health Association's Fast Facts about Mental Illness.

But the big question is:  how can Employers help battle these huge issues and improve the productivity of affected employees within their workforce?

Throughout the month of September we will offer several practical solutions that even small employers can utilize.  Stay tuned!  Follow us to learn more in the coming weeks.