Healthy Brains at Work: Estimating the Impact of Workplace Mental Health Benefits and Programs

This briefing is the third in a four-part research series—Healthy Brains at Work. The briefing presents an estimate of the potential impact on the economy if the use of effective mental health benefits and workplace programs were optimized in Canada. The figures presented in this briefing illustrate that there are significant benefits to be realized—for individuals, society, and the economy—by addressing mental health and illness among working Canadians. We estimate that improved treatment of depression among employed Canadians could boost Canada’s economy by up to $32.3 billion a year, and enhanced treatment of anxiety could boost Canada’s economy by up to $17.3 billion a year.