Widmer, Lori. 2002. "A not-so-hidden workplace cost." Risk & Insurance, July.

Widmer's article talks about the hidden costs of mental illness among employees and argues that insurance and laws should find a way to help companies provide help for these employees. Her statistics are compelling: 10% of long-term disability along with 6% of short-term disability is because of psychiatric problems. In addition, psychiatric problems are longer-lasting, and over time account for many days of missed work.

Half of the short-term disability claims are for depression, but that only accounts for those who are very sick with depression. There will still be employees on the job dealing with depression, anxiety, stress disorders, etc., who could be thought of as the "walking wounded," people who often need help but don't get it because of stigma or because the company's insurance pays inadequately.

These facts present multiple problems at multiple levels in any company. First of all Human Resources has to consider the impact on absenteeism. Those who make fiscal decisions will have to consider what the full cost of mental illness is to the company, in lost employee hours, the cost of paying temporary workers to try to fill the gap, and lost efficiency. All the costs should be totaled up when determining whether a company can afford to cover mental health well in their benefits package.

It seems possible that with an aggressive company policy to support those in emotional crisis, the company might avoid more costly expenses related to disability claims. It's particularly worth considering because the most common disorder, depression, can often be well treated relatively economically, especially if the treatment begins sooner rather than later.

Companies would be wise to train their management regarding mental health issues, since they are so prevalent, and since they can impact performance so significantly. Both the costs of not providing good mental health benefits and the benefits of doing so may be hidden from a company unless they make the effort to analyze the problem thoroughly.