Manulife Financial has launched Workplace Solutions for Mental Health, a program which is designed to work with an employer’s existing disability and absence management programs to proactively manage mental health in the workplace.

In today’s work force, mental health has a significant impact on both employers and employees. Mental illness affects both absenteeism and productivity; it is a leading cause of employee disability in a work environment.

Based on Manulife Financial’s claims experience, more than 30% of long-term disability claims administered on behalf of clients are related to mental illness. Previous industry studies have estimated mental illness costs the Canadian economy more than $51 billion a year in lost productivity, direct medical costs and reductions in health-related quality of life.

Workplace Solutions for Mental Health includes a Web site that serves as a resource centre for employees and employers seeking practical information about mental health. It highlights Manulife Financial’s mental health tools and promotes awareness. This Web site is regularly updated with new material and also provides links to other reputable mental health Web sites.

There are two key components to Workplace Solutions for Mental Health:

Manulife Financial says its services, tools and resources can be immediately put into action to help employers deal with the effects of mental illness on their organization. This includes resources or information that employers can apply within their environment and services embedded in the disability process that can help employees with their recovery and return to work.

The tools are designed to help employees return to work healthy and productive, resulting in less long-term use of health and disability benefits, improved health and wellness, and ultimately, better financial outcomes.

“We are delighted to introduce Workplace Solutions for Mental Health, the first targeted practical solution of its kind,” said Donna Carbell, vp disability and absence management solutions, Manulife Financial Group Benefits. “The program integrates with our absence-to-disability products and services, plus offers practical solutions for employees and employers – all aimed to achieve better outcomes in mental health.”