What do the statistics say about mental health?
. Mental health has become a major concern for employees and employers in Canada, and for good reason. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime, and the economic cost of mental health in Canada is estimated to be $51 billion per year.
As a result, employers are now recognizing the importance of offering enhanced mental health benefits to attract and retain employees. These benefits can take many forms, such as counseling and therapy services, employee assistance programs, and access to mental health resources and support groups.
Importance of mental health benefits
One of the most important mental health benefits that employers can offer is access to counseling and therapy services. This allows employees to receive the support they need to deal with mental health issues, whether it's through individual therapy, couples therapy, or group therapy.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are another important mental health benefit that employers can offer. These programs provide employees with confidential counseling and support services, usually provided by a third-party provider. EAPs can help employees deal with a wide range of issues, including mental health, substance abuse, and relationship problems.
Another important mental health benefit is access to mental health resources and support groups. This can include things like online resources, books, and videos, as well as in-person support groups. These resources can help employees better understand and manage their mental health, and provide them with a sense of community and support.
Creating an opening culture
It's important to keep in mind that mental health benefits are not just about providing employees with access to counseling and therapy services. It's also about creating a culture of openness and support in the workplace. Employers can do this by providing mental health education and training to employees, as well as by promoting a culture of openness and support through things like employee surveys and focus groups.
Offering enhanced mental health benefits is a win-win for both employees and employers. Employees get the support they need to manage their mental health, while employers benefit from a more engaged and productive workforce. With mental health becoming an increasingly important concern for Canadians, it's more important than ever for employers to provide enhanced mental health benefits to their employees.
