The mental health of employees has become a central issue for companies in recent years. It is of great importance for companies to promote and protect the mental health of their workforce, not only for ethical and health reasons, but also from an economic perspective. This article highlights the economic impact of mental health problems in the workplace and presents innovative solutions.
Mental health problems cause significant economic losses for companies. Studies show that companies lose an average of 9,000 euros per employee annually due to mental health problems. This figure has even risen by 16% since 2020, which underlines the growing importance of the issue.
Absenteeism and sick days
Employees who suffer from mental health problems take an average of 36 sick days per year. With an estimated cost of 300 euros per day of absence, this amounts to up to 11,000 euros per serious case. On average, companies incur costs of 2,300 euros per employee and year due to absences due to mental health problems alone.
Compliance and regulatory requirements
Carrying out psychosocial risk assessments, as required by ISO 45003 and the German Occupational Health and Safety Act, also entails costs. A standard psychosocial risk assessment costs around 12,000 euros per 100 employees, plus internal administrative expenses. Companies that do not comply with these regulations risk legal consequences, fines and increased insurance costs.
Increasing healthcare costs and insurance premiums
Mental illnesses account for 13.1% of total healthcare costs in Germany, which corresponds to around 44 billion euros annually. The treatment costs for depression alone amount to 9,453 euros per affected person and year.
Presentalism and loss of productivity
Presentalism, i.e. being present at work despite health problems, often causes higher costs than absenteeism. Studies show that 46% of mental health costs at work are due to presentism. The estimated costs per employee amount to around 3,000 euros per year.
Fluctuation and recruitment costs
Around 40% of voluntary cancellations are linked to a lack of psychological well-being. The cost of replacing an employee is between 50% and 200% of the annual salary, taking into account recruitment, onboarding and loss of institutional knowledge. For managers in particular, new appointments usually cost 200% of their annual salary. The estimated annual loss per employee due to fluctuation amounts to 2,500 - 10,000 euros.
Innovation losses and competitive disadvantages
Burnout and stress have been shown to reduce employees' creative problem-solving skills. Companies with high burnout rates have lower innovation rates. The estimated annual loss per employee due to reduced innovative capacity and missed opportunities is 700 euros.
When you add up all direct and indirect costs, the picture is alarming. The following table summarizes the annual costs per employee:
Cost category | Amount per employee (yearly)
Absenteeism & sick leave | 2.300€
Presentalism (reduced productivity) | 2,900€
Fluctuation & Recruitment Costs | 2.500€
Compliance & Regulatory Requirements | 600€
Reduced Innovation & Competitiveness | 700€
Total economic loss per employee | 8,900€
These figures show that the mental health of employees is a decisive factor for the company's success. The total costs of almost 9,000 euros per employee and year are a clear signal that action is needed.
In view of these considerable costs, the question is how companies can take countermeasures. The good news is that investments in employee mental health have been proven to pay off. Studies by Deloitte and McKinsey confirm that every euro invested in occupational mental health provides a return of 5 euros.
In view of the complex challenges that mental health problems pose for companies, mentalport has positioned itself as an innovative solution. The company offers a holistic approach that both meets legal requirements and proactively promotes the mental health of employees.
mentalport presents itself as a “mental health management hub” for companies. This hub integrates various components that together form a comprehensive system for promoting and monitoring mental health in the workplace.
1. Risk assessment of psychological stress (GBU Psyche)
A core element of the mentalPORT offering is the digital, anonymous and fully automated implementation of the legally required risk assessment of psychological stress. There are several benefits to this solution:
2. mentalport coaching app
The mentalport coaching app is at the heart of the solution for employees. It replicates a human systemic coach based on AI and biofeedback. Key features include:
3. Management platform
The management platform enables holistic mental health management for an optimal working environment. It provides companies with insights and recommendations for action based on aggregated, anonymized data.
The economic losses due to mental health problems in the workplace are significant and can no longer be ignored. With an average cost of 9,000 euros per employee and year, companies are faced with the challenge of implementing effective solutions.
The mentalPORT solution offers a promising approach that both meets legal requirements and proactively promotes the mental health of employees. By combining digital risk assessment, AI-based coaching and a comprehensive management tool, mentalport addresses the complex challenges holistically.
Companies that invest in the mental health of their employees can not only save significant costs, but also benefit from increased productivity, higher employee retention and improved innovative capacity. At a time when competition for talent is becoming increasingly fierce and demands on employees are constantly increasing, robust mental health management can become a decisive competitive advantage.
The implementation of a solution such as mentalport should therefore not be regarded as a cost factor, but as a strategic investment in the future viability of the company. By focusing on the mental health of their employees, companies are not only creating a healthier and more productive working environment, but also positioning themselves as attractive employers in an increasingly demanding job market.
The message is clear: Investing in the mental health of employees is not only ethically necessary, but also makes economic sense. With innovative solutions such as mentalport, companies now have the opportunity to address this complex issue effectively and efficiently and thus benefit from the positive effects in the long term.
Learn now in a free demo how mentalport can take on all tasks related to mental health and get in touch with us without obligation!
Jetzt unverbindlich & kostenlos starten
