Integrating mental health assessments into disability claims is a critical step forward in creating healthier, more resilient workplaces.
May 5-11th marks Mental Health Awareness Week in Canada, an important time to reflect on how mental well-being is supported in the workplace. For employers and unions alike, this is more than just a health issue - it’s a productivity, engagement, and sustainability issue. At IMA Solutions, we believe that integrating mental health assessments into disability claims is a critical step forward in creating healthier, more resilient workplaces.
The Rise of Mental Health-Related Disability Claims
Over the past decade, mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and burnout have become leading causes of workplace disability. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, mental health problems and illnesses are the number one cause of disability in the country, with an estimated 500,000 Canadians missing work every week due to mental health issues.
For employers, these absences translate into lost productivity, increased costs, and the risk of long-term disengagement from work. For unions, it raises concerns about member well-being, fair access to benefits, and the effectiveness of return-to-work strategies.
So, how can organizations respond more effectively? It starts with recognizing mental health assessments as an essential part of the independent medical examination (IME) process.
Why Mental Health Assessments Matter in Disability Claims
In many cases, disability claims are complex and involve a combination of physical and psychological factors. While physical injuries are easier to document and assess, mental health conditions are often overlooked, underreported, or misunderstood - leading to delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, and prolonged absence.
By including mental health evaluations as part of the disability assessment, employers and unions benefit from:
- Early identification of underlying mental health concerns
- Accurate, evidence-based diagnoses by qualified professionals
- Recommendations for treatment and accommodations that support recovery
- Clarity around fitness for work and return-to-work timelines
This comprehensive approach ensures that employees receive the right support at the right time, and that claims are evaluated holistically - not just from a physical standpoint.
The Business Case: Reduced Absences, Greater Productivity
Supporting mental health isn't just the right thing to do—it's a strategic advantage.
When mental health assessments are part of the IME process, organizations are better equipped to:
- Shorten disability durations by identifying treatable conditions early
- Reduce presenteeism and absenteeism, both costly outcomes of unmanaged mental health issues
- Improve employee morale and retention through a culture of care
- Strengthen legal and policy compliance with duty-to-accommodate obligations
A proactive approach leads to faster recoveries, smoother transitions back to work, and long-term savings for both employers and benefit providers.
Building Trust with Employees and Unions
From a union perspective, the inclusion of mental health assessments in disability claims signals that an employer takes the full scope of employee wellness seriously. It helps build trust, improve transparency, and ensure fairness in how claims are managed.
For employers, it demonstrates a commitment to psychological safety, a critical factor in attracting and retaining talent in today’s competitive job market.
Partnering with Experts for Better Outcomes
At IMA Solutions, we specialize in independent medical evaluations that include mental health assessments when appropriate. Our network includes psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals with deep experience in occupational health and disability claims.
We provide clear, objective reports that help:
- Determine whether a mental health condition is contributing to a disability claim
- Assess the employee’s ability to return to work with or without accommodations
- Support claims adjudication with clinical evidence
- Guide employers and unions in developing practical, supportive return-to-work plans
Every case is handled with the utmost care, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Making Mental Health a Standard Part of Disability Claims
As we observe Mental Health Week in Canada, it's time to move beyond awareness to action. Mental health assessments should be a standard part of the disability claims process - not an exception.
This shift requires collaboration between employers, unions, and trusted IME providers like IMA Solutions. Together, we can help employees return to work safely, reduce claim durations, and foster workplaces where both mental and physical health are equally valued.
Let’s Talk
If your organization is looking to enhance its disability claims process with mental health expertise, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about our assessment services and how we support fair, timely, and accurate disability claim resolutions.
