Mental health is playing an increasingly important role in the North American workplace. Recent studies show that many workers are struggling with poor mental health, and it is taking a toll on their work leading them to quit their well-paying jobs in some cases.

OHS Canada Magazine reported that of the $50 billion that mental health services cost in Canada annually, $20 billion stem directly from workplace trauma workers face. Not only does this cost the public healthcare system and workers, but it also costs employers directly through disability claims. Research by Deloitte found that poor mental health among Canadians accounts for 30-40% of short-term disability claims and 30% of long-term disability claims.

A recent report by JobSage found that poor mental health was the reason that 28% of surveyed workers resigned from their most recent roles. 40% of surveyed workers reported that their work was the leading cause of their poor mental state. Examples of job-induced stress sources included inadequate compensation, work-life balance, support, or flexibility, as well as overwork and job insecurity. Over half of these workers believed that their poor mental state had negatively impacted their work productivity.

Although surveyed employees reported that their employers do have some support system in place for mental well-being, including wellness programs and mental health coverage, 20% said it was not enough. Most of all, workers would prefer that the problem be fixed at its source, that is, that the causes of their poor mental health be eliminated or mitigated. Workers reported that they need, better work-life balance, more vacation, more flexibility in scheduling, and training on stress management.

Employees’ mental health is likely only to worsen with the present tumultuous economic climate and the drastically changing 21^st century workplace. As employees reckon with this, employers may be faced with more employees going on medical leaves or resigning altogether. Having strong mental health support system, may be vital for businesses to grow and thrive and may enable them to attract top talent and retain productive workers.

Whether you are an employee in a toxic workplace or facing increased anxiety due to your work, or an employer seeking to create policies that will improve employees’ mental health, we can advise you on how best to safeguard your interests in these unpredictable times. If you are looking for employment lawyers and would like more information about what Whitten & Lublin can do for you, please contact us online or by phone at (647) 946-1278 today.

Author: Carson Healey