The ROI of Employee Mental Wellbeing

Strategic workers’ compensation insurers understand the power of resilient, engaged employees. In an industry grappling with a significant talent crisis, investing in employee mental wellbeing is no longer optional. It strengthens teams, improves performance, and delivers measurable financial returns. Companies that focus on employee wellness today position themselves as leaders in an increasingly competitive talent market. 

A mentally healthy workforce is not only more productive but also experiences improved job satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the impact: for every dollar invested in mental wellbeing programs, companies see a fourfold return in improved health and productivity outcomes. This significant return shows that mental wellbeing initiatives are key to fostering a positive employee experience and an engaged, high-performing workforce.  

Investing in employee mental wellbeing yields significant, enduring returns. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported in 2022 that for every $1 invested in mental wellbeing support, employers can expect a return of $4 in improved health and productivity While this figure is from 2022, it aligns with findings from other reputable organizations, such as the WHO, underscoring the consistent financial and organizational benefits of mental wellbeing programs. This substantial ROI highlights the importance of prioritizing employee mental wellbeing as a long-term strategy for fostering a resilient, productive, and engaged workforce

Quantifiable ROI of Supporting Employee Mental Wellbeing 

The benefits of prioritizing mental wellbeing can be seen in several key areas, each offering measurable returns that reinforce why this investment matters—not just for the organization, but for the individuals who drive its success: 

Increased Productivity 

Studies consistently show that employees who feel supported in their wellness are more engaged, focused, and productive. Supporting employee wellness drives measurable gains in both output and quality of work. These improvements extend to stronger client interactions and more accurate claims processing in workers’ compensation. 

Reduced Turnover Costs 

Employee turnover is costly and poses an even greater challenge for the workers’ compensation industry, where specialized knowledge and experience are vital. As experienced employees retire, attracting and retaining skilled talent becomes increasingly difficult. High turnover disrupts team cohesion, slows claims processing, and increases recruitment and training expenses. 

Investing in employee wellbeing addresses these challenges head-on. The 2024 Work in America Survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that psychological safety is critical for job satisfaction and performance Workers increasingly prioritize organizations that value their emotional and psychological well-being, making wellness investments a vital strategy for retaining skilled professionals and ensuring organizational stability. 

The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that workplaces lacking in psychosocial safety report increased rates of stress and job dissatisfaction. Environments where employees do not feel supported or heard directly contribute to turnover. By investing in integrated, streamlined technology solutions like True, organizations can simplify workflows, reduce stress, and create a culture where employees feel empowered and connected, strengthening retention over the long term. 

Long-term Benefits Beyond the Balance Sheet 

While the financial returns are clear, investing in mental wellbeing also elevates the employee experience, fostering a stronger, more loyal workforce: 

Enhanced Employee Loyalty and Brand Reputation

Companies with strong mental wellbeing programs not only see a financial return but also report higher employee morale and improved organizational reputation. Employees who feel supported are more likely to recommend their workplace to others, bolstering recruitment efforts and customer trust. 

Building a Resilient Workforce

A workforce that prioritizes wellness is resilient and adaptable. Employees equipped to handle stress and adapt to change are better positioned to succeed long-term. This is especially crucial in industries with complex, detail-oriented work environments. For workers’ compensation insurers, resilience translates to better service, greater accuracy in claims handling, and stronger overall team performance. 

Investing in wellness delivers results that can be seen and felt across entire organizations. It drives productivity, reduces turnover, and strengthens brand loyalty. In an industry like workers’ compensation, which is currently navigating a challenging talent crisis, prioritizing wellness is essential for remaining competitive. Companies that invest in wellness set themselves up for sustainable success by retaining skilled employees and fostering resilience. As the industry continues to evolve, creating a positive employee experience through wellness initiatives will remain central to building high-performing teams and ensuring organizational growth. 

At True, we believe that a thriving employee experience is the foundation of a resilient organization. Our solutions, including TruePolicy™, TrueClaims™, and TruePortals™ are designed to simplify workflows, reduce stress, and empower employees to focus on meaningful work. By supporting employee wellbeing and retention, True helps organizations create the conditions for lasting success. 

For more insights on the hottest topics in the insurance industry and to stay updated on the latest trends, join the True Community, or contact Ryan Smith at ryan@experiencetrue.com to discuss how True solutions can help your insurance operations transform employee mental wellness into measurable ROI. 

Amy Sliger Avatar