Nearly 60% of the world's population is at work. The thing is that mental illnesses are among the top health conditions that generate health-related costs to employers. Actually, according to a WHO report, 15% of working-age adults have a mental disorder. So, when it comes to costs, depression is ranked as the second most expensive mental illness affecting workplaces. Think - work impairment, inability to work, disabilities, and absences from work. That's why mental health initiatives are important in the workplace. 

On the same page, the lost productivity resulting from depression and anxiety (which are the most common mental disorders) is estimated to cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year. 
Struggling mental health among employees creates significant challenges for Indian companies. However, there are obstacles hindering investment in workplace mental health. These barriers include not knowing the most effective strategies and not having proof that such investments can benefit a company financially.

To tackle these obstacles, Indian employers need actual proof that implementing mental health initiatives in the workplace isn't just an expense but an investment that brings positive returns. 
For this purpose, we will refer to different studies made around the world. 

The impact of mental health initiatives

In the past few years, people have been talking more about mental health. Companies now care a lot about how their employees feel emotionally, mentally, and socially. It's not just about doing the right thing; it's also seen as a smart investment that can bring back measurable benefits. 

Recently, a study of 1,600 U.S. workers found that 3 out of 4 employees felt their health worsened or didn't change. According to the same report, these employees' poor mental health takes a toll on their productivity. 91% said they're less productive due to their mental health issues. Actually, 45% reported a loss of productivity of more than 5 hours a week.

Another report made in Australia looks at the ROI of mental health initiatives in the workplace. The results of the study show that there is a positive ROI for building a mentally healthy workplace. For SMEs, the return is $2.86 benefit for 1 dollar invested, while for large employers, the ROI is $4.01. 

Even with smaller changes (say a 25% decrease in absenteeism and presenteeism) or if the investment costs more, the returns remained positive. 

A study conducted by Deloitte Canada in 2019 confirmed similar findings. This unique research (for that time) discovered that companies implementing mental health programs for at least one year experienced a median annual return of $1.62 for each dollar invested. Moreover, for businesses that sustained these programs for three years or longer, the median annual return more than doubled, reaching $2.18 for every dollar spent.

Looking beyond the ROI

Sure, talking about the return on investment (ROI) for mental health programs in boardrooms is important. But let's think bigger than just money. Making mental health a priority shouldn't just be about dollars and cents—it should be about what a company truly stands for and believes in.

See, it's about creating a workplace or a community where mental health matters every single day. That means we need to talk openly about it, erase the stigma around mental health issues, and make sure everyone knows how to get the right support. When companies put effort into this, it's not just about the financial benefits; it's about creating a place where people feel valued, supported, and understood.

See, an employee facing ongoing discomfort at work usually starts by taking some time off to get better. If that isn't enough to feel better, they might reach out to the company's manager or resources. If the problems don't get better or get worse, the employee might ask to move to a different part of the company or, as a last resort, they might decide to leave the job altogether. That's why many studies state that three indicators of organizational well-being are the absenteeism rate, the number of requests for resources, and the number of requests for transfer.

Mental health initiatives aren't just about boosting the bottom line. They're about building a company culture that cares for its people. By encouraging conversations, breaking down barriers, and providing resources for professional help, companies can create an environment where everyone's well-being matters. 

This kind of support helps people feel happier and more engaged, and that, in turn, can lead to better productivity and success for the company.

Final thoughts

Employees facing challenges need support systems that go beyond the conventional protocols. We've seen how individuals attempt to navigate discomfort, but often, there's a gap between what they need and what the organization provides.

That's where mental health first aid courses step in as an absolute game-changer. These courses equip everyone in the workplace with the tools to recognize, understand, and offer initial help to those experiencing mental health challenges. It's not just about ticking a box... it's about encouraging a culture of empathy and proactive care. 

Check out our courses for your workplace from an MHFA India instructor.