Mental health issues lead to long-term sick leave in Finland

Mental health issues are the leading cause of long-term sick leave in Finland. Supporting employee mental health proactively is deemed more beneficial for workplaces than reacting only when an employee becomes exhausted, anxious, or depressed. Research leader Hanna Hakulinen from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health emphasizes the positive impact of such support on productivity, employee turnover, and costs associated with sick leave and disability.

A newly developed operational model, created by the Institute, Mieli ry, and Kela, aims to enhance mental health within entire workplaces. This model promotes close collaboration between employers and occupational healthcare, focusing on the necessary support in relation to both stressors and opportunities. This may involve adjustments to job roles, work arrangements, or the overall functioning of the workplace community, along with resources to assist employees facing mental health challenges.

Eira Roos, a development doctor at Aava Healthcare, highlights that smooth work processes are crucial for employee well-being. Continuous issues in tasks, interactions, or tools can lead to frustration and increased stress. Simple measures, like shortening meetings or allowing walking discussions, can significantly improve efficiency.

A case study from a multidisciplinary company in the Helsinki region illustrates the effectiveness of prioritizing employee well-being. After implementing measures to address mental health, the company reduced mental health-related absenteeism by over 2,000 days annually.

Despite the potential for savings, many employers lack awareness of the health compensation available from Kela for preventive occupational healthcare costs. It’s crucial to discuss mental health in a work context sooner to improve overall workplace morale and productivity.