Disability leave due to mental health issues can be avoided

TORONTO, /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell’s research shows that more than half (57 per cent) of employees and managers are suffering, or have at some point in the past, with a mental health issue or sleep-related disorder. Within the same study, 40 per cent of managers and 34 per cent of employees reported suffering from extreme levels of stress within the previous six months and revealed a strong correlation between workplace stress and employee retention. Many employees transition to disability leave because of untreated mental health issues – a situation that experts believe is preventable.

“Our research shows that there are early warning signs, such as a change in behaviour or productivity, that suggest someone is struggling and may go on disability leave. Managers can spot these signs up to 18 months before they take leave, but may not know what to do,” said Paula Allen, vice president, research, analytics and innovation solutions, Morneau Shepell. “Additionally, we found that about a third of the employee population is working at less than 70 per cent of their productivity.”

Experts from Morneau Shepell and Nestle Canada will discuss this and more on December 13 at the Total well-being keynote: Creating a workforce that is health, happy and productive.

“We know that when people go off work for mental health issues they could be away for a long time,” said Alastair Macdonald, senior vice president of human resources, Nestle Canada. “If we can intervene before a crisis situation, in terms of prevention, intervention or restoration, it is money well spent.”

Members of the media are invited to watch the keynote address, featuring experts from Morneau Shepell and Nestle Canada, to learn more about how the physical, mental, social and financial wellness of employees affect their companies. Through a technology-driven approach, using platforms like LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell, employers are better equipped to develop a more resilient workforce.

Event details

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrated approach to employee well-being, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is a total well-being solution that combines employee assistance, wellness, recognition and incentive programs. As a leader in strategic HR consulting and innovative pension design, the Company also helps clients solve complex workforce problems and provides integrated productivity, health and retirement solutions. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 24,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,500 employees in offices worldwide, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.