Mental Health Support for Foreign Workers May Be Your Best Investment in 2025
You’ve noticed that one of your agricultural workers hasn't been himself lately. It seems that production is slipping, and he’s been calling in sick far more often than usual.
Is he slacking? Or is there something more going on?
Your top employee may be one of the 39% of foreign workers silently struggling with depression. Mental health struggles have spiraled into a crisis that's costing Canadian businesses millions in lost productivity every year.
For foreign workers, mental health struggles aren't just personal issues. They compound and ripple – creating multiple business risks that smart employers can no longer afford to ignore.
And if you're not addressing them, you're already paying the price.
Foreign Workers Face Mental Health Challenges at Double the Rate
Did you know that research shows that foreign workers experience depression at rates of 39% and anxiety at 27%?
That may not seem that high at first glance. But any amount of mental struggle is too much – and these numbers represent nearly double what we see in the general Canadian population.
But what’s driving these rates? While each case is unique, there are some factors unique to foreign workers we can point to.
Separation from family can quickly cause homesickness and lead to decreased focus and engagement on the job.
Language barriers don't just complicate conversations – they increase workplace errors and dangerous miscommunication.
Experiences of discrimination happen more than many employers think, and they can drive up turnover and balloon your recruitment costs.
Job insecurity tied to immigration status can destroy the loyalty and productivity you need to succeed.
When nearly 4 in 10 of foreign workers are battling mental health issues, you're operating at a fraction of your potential capacity. It's like running your equipment at half power and wondering why you can't meet production targets.
Mental Health Issues Will Impact Your Bottom Line
Far too many companies approach mental health as a "soft" issue. But when you start to look at it from a holistic view, you’ll see that the soft issues can quickly spiral into hard ones.
Every foreign worker struggling with untreated mental health issues represents measurable losses to your business. Even when they show up, presenteeism – when individuals are “present” physically but are mentally checked out – can cut productivity quickly.
Plus, workers experiencing depression are more likely to have workplace accidents. In Canadian industries like agriculture and manufacturing (where foreign workers are concentrated), that’s a safety crisis waiting to happen.
You may not think you have the budget to offer comprehensive healthcare coverage that includes mental health options.
But the fact is that you’re already paying for poor mental health through lost productivity, increased accidents, higher turnover, and endless recruitment cycles. You're just not getting anything in return for that investment.
Why Supporting Mental Health Delivers ROI
Here’s a stat you can’t argue with: every dollar invested in workplace mental health support returns $4 in improved productivity and reduced costs.
When you look at it from a KPI standpoint, that's a 400% ROI – better than almost any other investment you can make in your business.
Companies that implement comprehensive mental health programs report remarkable results. They see a 30% reduction in disability claims, a 20% increase in employee productivity, and perhaps most importantly, a 50% reduction in turnover rates.
Think about what reducing turnover by half means for your business:
Fewer recruitment costs
Less time training new workers
Maintained productivity from experienced employees who know your operations inside and out
More consistent quality and fewer mistakes
When you invest in quality care, you become an employer of choice. Why? Because word spreads quickly in foreign worker communities.
When workers know you genuinely care about their mental health, you'll find recruitment becomes easier and retention becomes natural. You're not just filling positions; you're building a loyal, productive workforce that chooses to stay with you season after season.
Invest in Your Foreign Workers’ Mental Health Today
At People Corporation, we understand that protecting physical health is just the first step.
Our comprehensive coverage includes access to mental health support through healthcare professionals, ensuring your workers have the resources they need to thrive, not just survive.
We've seen firsthand how employers who invest in complete worker wellbeing transform their operations and their reputation in foreign worker communities.
Don't wait for a mental health crisis to disrupt your operations. With hiring season approaching and competition for quality workers intensifying, now is the time to differentiate yourself as an employer who truly values worker wellbeing.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
