Expert insights for designing mental health strategies for your workforce

June 11th, 2024

For business owners, plan sponsors and administrators

A stressed and strained workforce can reveal itself in increased absences and disability claims, or lower productivity.1 Employers play a pivotal role in enhancing support for employee mental health.2 

We offer valuable insights and guidance to help you tailor your mental health benefits programs effectively, helping to ensure that mental health services are adequately covered to support your employees' well-being.

Mental health concerns impact the workplace

Mental health disorders are a prevalent concern in Canadian organizations, and they can have a significant effect on workplaces and the economy.3 This article outlines some steps employers can take to support their employees' mental health.

A guide to mental health professionals in Canada

This guide offers insights into the mental health professionals available in Canada, their qualifications, types of treatment offered, and medication-prescription capabilities, serving as a valuable resource to better understand coverage options.

Workplace Solutions for Mental Health

Find out ways to build your mental health strategy to help better support employees.

Recognizing and addressing employee burnout in the workplace

We explore the concept of employee burnout, its impact on mental health, and the importance of addressing it in the workplace. We highlight the signs and symptoms of burnout.

More employees face challenges with mental health and diabetes

More people are seeking treatment for mental health issues and diabetes, according to Manulife claims data.4 This article provides insights into the impact on productivity, age-related trends, and potential strategies for addressing these health challenges in the workplace.

Promoting positive change for women’s mental health

Efforts are being made to address the gender gap in mental health research and treatment for women. womenmindTM is dedicated to addressing the gender gap in mental health research and treatment, with a focus on raising funds, providing support for women scientists, and shaping a more equitable healthcare landscape for women and girls.

Mental health - Is your plan fueling recovery?

This article discusses the coverage for mental health services offered by many employers, with the median amount only covering 3 to 5 therapy sessions.5 It highlights the need for employers to increase coverage to help ensure employees receive the necessary mental health support.

Why your mental health program might not have an impact

Bill Howatt highlights the lack of evidence-based frameworks in many workplace wellness programs and emphasizes the need for organizations to focus on promoting mental health and resilience, as well as creating a culture of empathy and support in the workplace.

1 Wellness Report 2023 – key findings and highlights | Manulife , 2023

2 https://www.benefitscanada.com/benefits/health-benefits/employers-enhancing-mental-health-benefits-over-next-three-years-finds-survey/ , 2021

3 https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/441/FINA/Brief/BR11979299/br-external/CanadianMentalHealthAssociation-National-e.pdf , 2022

4 Manulife aggregate claims data, 2023

5 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder, Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), 2016 and Canadian Psychology Association, 2022.