Chamber News

Mental health conditions in the workplace are being diagnosed with greater frequency. Disability claims for mental illness is the fastest growing claim type in Canada. The cost of mental illnesses to the Canadian economy is estimated at over $50 billion annually, with $20 billion of that stemming directly from workplace losses. On average, mental health issues cost businesses almost $1,500 per employee, per year.

Nevertheless, instead of being recognized and managed, these problems are too often misjudged or disregarded. For most employers, it is easier to cope with an employee’s physical injury than a mental one.

In Working Towards Mental Wellness: A toolkit for employers, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) seeks to illuminate the distinctive character of mental wellness in the workplace, outline the case for action and provide resources for starting this conversation workplaces across Ontario. Click the button below to view the Toolkit!

There are also countless available resources on mental health, including numerous on mental health in the workplace. For many employers, a recommended first stop is your benefits provider, to ensure you and your employees are getting the most out of your EAP and supplementary lifestyle programs.

Beyond that, the OCC has created a page as a preliminary resource for employers looking to build a mentally healthy workplace.