A growing number of employers are beginning to offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other kinds of mental health programs, and that’s good news. However, when asked why they’re introducing these initiatives, many cite reasons that are far from being the biggest benefits these and other employee well-being programs provide.
Many business owners and HR departments think these mental health support programs are a good plan for preventing disasters and worst case scenarios like the guy that gets fired, goes postal, and does something crazy to put others in harm’s way. But in actuality, there are far greater benefits to ensuring your employees are mentally stable.
While it’s hard to quantify any concrete savings or ROI these programs provide, their perks are much the same as those that result from other physical wellness programs: a happier, healthier, more productive workforce and ultimately a considerable cost savings over time.
Research shows that in a given year about 1 out of every 4 adults suffers from a, usually mild, diagnosable mental illness. Most of these individuals lead fairly normal lives, including continuing to show up for work. However, they lose an average of 27 working days per year. Nine are days they miss entirely, due to sickness or other personal days taken. Lost productivity accounts for another 18 days.
So, not only do mental health support programs get much-needed help to employees who are suffering. They can also help employers regain that lost productivity and its accompanying cost. To learn more, check out this article on TLNT.