‘Investing in employee mental health’: NSC unveils cost calculator

Itasca, IL — To help employers understand the role they play in supporting employee mental health and safety, the National Safety Council and NORC at the University of Chicago have created the Mental Health Cost Calculator – funded by Nationwide.

This free, easy-to-use tool provides employers with data-driven insight into the costs of employee mental distress in the workplace and identifies the specific ways untreated distress impacts employer costs, including days of work missed and excess turnover.

The calculator offers employers research-proven steps they can take to help employees and their family members, while increasing the safety, health and productivity of their workforce.

“Employee safety is at risk any time a worker isn’t feeling 100% well – which is why we recommend employers prioritize both workers’ mental and physical well-being,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin said. “The Mental Health Cost Calculator aims to make the business case for investing in employee mental health. We must also acknowledge the humanity in this issue and extend support to our colleagues and loved ones who have experienced unprecedented stress and distress over the past year and beyond.”

NSC stands ready to partner with employers to prioritize mental health and safety with a robust offering of materials, consulting services and additional resources to keep employees safe. Find them at nsc.org/mentalhealth.