CMHA congratulates Manulife for the company’s initiative in providing mental health support for its employees. As of January 1, 2017, Manulife employees will receive a mental health support benefit of up to $10,000 per person per year, including family members. According to the company, mental health claims represent 35 per cent of all short-term disability claims and 44 per cent of all long-term disability claims for their employees.
“By removing the financial barrier for their employees to access mental health support, Manulife has set an important example for other companies to follow,” said CEO Camille Quenneville. “We applaud Manulife for making employee mental health a priority.”
The redesigned plan marks a substantial shift. In the past, employees could claim up to $1,000 per year for any combination of professional services provided by licensed practitioners, including mental health. Following a comprehensive review, Manulife separated the benefit for mental health practitioners from other practitioners such as physiotherapists.
CMHA’s Workforce Mental Health Collaborative provides employers and unions with in-depth training, practical resources and valuable support that can address and improve psychological health and safety in the workplace.