Mental health is fundamental to every part of our lives — our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, act, handle stress, connect with others, and make decisions. Good mental health is critical at every stage of life, and today, it is more important than ever to foster a mentally healthy workplace.
Rising Stress Levels Across North America in 2025
Recent studies from both the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Mental Health Association reveal that the mental health crisis has deepened:
72% of Americans and 69% of Canadians report that the economy is now a significant source of stress (up from 70% and 66% in 2024, respectively). (1)
58% of North Americans show clinical signs of anxiety, depression, or both — particularly exacerbated by ongoing financial uncertainty, global instability, and collective trauma. (2)
Experts predict that the long-term psychological effects from events like the pandemic and economic crises could linger for another decade.
Meanwhile, the stigma around mental health in the workplace persists. Only about 52% of employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges with their employer, leaving nearly half of the workforce feeling unsupported.
Why Businesses Must Act
The cost of poor mental health on businesses is staggering. In North America alone, lost productivity related to mental health is estimated to cost companies over $300 billion annually in absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover.
However, forward-thinking companies are discovering the tangible benefits of investing in mental wellness:
Companies that support mental health see an average return of $4 for every $1 invested.
A Unilever project in Brazil previously reported $1,200 USD per employee in savings through simple mental health initiatives — a success story that many North American companies are now trying to replicate.
No-Cost Strategies to Foster Better Mental Health at Work
You don’t need a big budget to start supporting mental health today. Here are practical, no-cost strategies business owners and managers can implement immediately:
Normalize Mental Health Conversations
When onboarding new employees or starting new projects, state clearly: “No concern is too small or personal to raise.” Normalize conversations about well-being from day one.
Create a Culture of Openness
Regularly check in with employees about more than just tasks. Ask about their overall workload, job satisfaction, and career goals. Authentic conversations build trust and surface challenges early.
Direct Employees to Resources
Know where and how to refer employees to internal supports like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or trusted external mental health organizations, such as Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, or community counselling services.
Offer Flexibility
When possible, offer flexibility around hours, remote work options, or wellness days. Autonomy greatly contributes to emotional resilience.
Lead by Example
When leaders openly prioritize their own mental health — by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and speaking candidly — employees are more likely to follow suit.
A Healthier Future Starts with You
Our collective recovery — both economic and emotional — hinges on leaders taking mental health seriously. The businesses that prioritize wellness today will cultivate more resilient, loyal, and productive teams tomorrow.
If you’re not sure where to start, visit trusted resources like Workplace Strategies for Mental Health for free, evidence-based tools and practices.
Improving mental health at work isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart business move.
