Early intervention is key to combat mental ill-health – GRiD

Ahead of Blue Monday, Group Risk Development (GRiD) has reminded employers that early intervention is a key element of helping staff with mental ill-health, one of the top claimed-for conditions within group income protection (GIP).

In 2023, 22% of GIP claims were for mental illness, just shy of the 24% for cancer – the most claimed-for condition on GIP, according to GRiD.

Over the past decade, mental health conditions were either the first or second highest cause of claim by employees on work-sponsored GIP policies.

In 2023, nearly half (47%) of those who were helped back to work by early interventions made by GIP insurers were those suffering from mental ill-health.

Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “Our data highlights that mental illness has been, and continues to be, a really significant issue for employees, but it is also where pre-emptive strategies and timely interventions can have a profound effect.

“If Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year for staff, it’s worth sparing a moment to think about how those who are already struggling with their mental health might be feeling at this time.

“Ensuring that workplace support is readily available, easily accessible and fit for purpose will give employees the best possible chance of being a present and productive member of staff during, what can be, some depressing days and months of the year.”

As well as GIP providing a replacement income should staff be unable to work through illness or injury, it also comprises employee and employer interventions which are highly utilised for mental health.