Supporting and treating mental health illnesses, such as depression, can yield a return of $4.80 for every $1 spent, according to new research by Morneau Shepell.
The study analyzed the productivity and attendance data of 227 individual cases from a range of employers that offer one of the firm’s mental-health offerings as part of its employee and family assistance program.
The research found an average 32 per cent improvement in workplace absence and a 51.9 per cent boost in productivity following the use of an employee and family assistance program.
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Alongside the research, which coincides with Mental Health Week, Morneau Shepell has also launched a microsite on mental health and gender.
“Depression is just one of the many mental illnesses affecting Canadians every day,” said Rita Fridella, senior vice-president of operations and chief clinician at Morneau Shepell. “Despite the high prevalence of mental health issues, we see a number of barriers — such as stigma, insufficient medical coverage and limited access to professional help — that often keep Canadians suffering in silence.”
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