Employee Mental Health should be of top concern for employers, as its effects trickle down to the most fundamentals of business operation. According to leading research, here are a few ways that mental health conditions may impact your company and an action step you can take to help prevent the impacts!

1. Increased Absenteeism

Mental Health disorders take a toll on the individual suffering and often lead to a higher rate of sick days. When stressors are present in the workplace itself, time off may be further impacted. Managers or other colleagues may have to step in to perform the individual’s duties, taking time away from their responsibilities as well. 

2. Reduced Productivity and Profit

When employees are unable to manage stress or are trying to cope with a mental health condition, they are more than likely unable to perform at their peak capacity in their job. This will inevitably lead to reduced productivity and thus reduced profits for the company as a whole. 

3. Increase in Costs 

Treatment for Mental Health conditions does not come without a price. Additional money spent for health costs or increased insurance premiums may fall to the employer. When stressful workplace situations are mitigated or conditions are identified early, much of this cost may be prevented. ‍

4. Negatively Impact Employee Morale

When employees are under stress or coping with a mental health issue, they need support and encouragement the most. If they do feel that they can approach their supervisor about their concern, this can especially lead to low morale in the workplace. 

A great action step is to implement Mental Health Training in your workplace! This education teaches about common mental health conditions and how to identify potential signs and symptoms of these disorders in yourself or others, and helps reduce the stigma around mental health, which will hopefully lead to early identification and prevention!