Mental disorders are the leading cause of workplace disability. They’re also the fastest growing claim type. Between 2014 and 2020, the volume of these claims is up by:
- 53% for short-term disability (STD)1
- 70% for long-term disability (LTD).2
We’re seeing these increases across all industries.
There are added costs to this increase beyond simple claim volumes. Mental health claims are more complex to manage and have longer durations than other claim types. So, while accounting for over 24% of new STD claims and 32% of new LTD claims, they represent 45% of claim costs.3
Our new Bright Paper report examines this growing trend and how we’re helping employers with innovative approaches to disability management. This includes two of Sun Life’s most recent initiatives in mental health:
1. Mental health coach
We’re piloting an innovative mental health coaching program with our own employees. We designed this program to provide proactive support to high-risk plan members. We’re moving into Phase 2 of our pilot with the view to rolling it out broadly.
2. Analyzing psychosocial factors
We’re working on a pilot program to help manage disability claims through the analysis of psychosocial factors. This initiative will help us provide the right level of support to plan members at the very beginning of their claim.
We’ll share more information on this initiative as we progress. Stay tuned.
Sun Life champions prevention and early intervention
Our goal is to help you support your employees no matter where they are on their mental health journey. That means providing you with the right solutions at the right time.
How we’re helping to transform disability management
Learn what’s driving the shift in disability risks, and what we’re doing to help transform disability management. Then speak with your Sun Life representative about what you can do to support your employees, while effectively managing your disability costs.
Questions? We’re here to help.
If you have fewer than 50 employees, please contact the Client Relations Representative Team at 1-866-606-8936.
If you have more than 50 employees, please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
1Sun Life data, 2020
2Ibid
3Ibid
