More and more SA employees are suffering from mental health issues. 1 in 4 people are experiencing depression, and 80% continue to work as normal despite it. And with South Africa being rated one of the "least happy and most distressed" countries today, workplaces can't ignore it. Because it's not just tough on the employees themselves. It also hits employers hard with lower productivity, higher absenteeism and mounting costs for sick leave.So how can businesses protect both their staff and the bottom line? One thing to look at is Group Income Protection Insurance.This type of policy pays out when employees can't work due to illness or injury. And it can play a crucial role in supporting mental health in the workplace. In this article, we'll explore the main ways Group Income Protection can help.1. It eases money worriesOne of the primary causes of stress and anxiety is worrying about money. And with the rising cost of living, that's not just something that people at the bottom of the pay scale are experiencing. Right now, even some of the best-paid employees may be worrying about how to pay their bills and stay out of the red.With Group Income Protection replacing part of an employee's income should they not be able to work, can take a massive weight off their shoulders. They don't have to panic about how to pay the bills, so they can focus on getting better instead. 2. It pays for treatmentPoor mental health often needs professional treatment, which can be costly, especially for specialist therapies or private care. For these reasons, many Group Income Protection policies cover rehab services, counselling, and other support, making it easier for employees to access the right treatment. Remove those financial roadblocks, and people are more likely to get the help they need to recover. And that means they'll recover, and return to work quicker. 3. It promotes overall wellbeingSome forward-thinking insurance providers take a holistic approach to employee wellbeing and go beyond just paying out claims. For example, YuLife offers a comprehensive employee app that incentivises rewards for healthy habits such as exercise, meditation, and better sleep. Services like this work below the surface, helping nip mental health issues in the bud before they spiral out of control.4. It shows employees you careHaving Group Income Protection demonstrates that a company genuinely supports its people, financially and emotionally. It creates a culture of trust where employees feel comfortable getting help for mental health without being judged or stigmatised. That openness alone can make a huge difference.5. It smooths the return to workAfter struggling with their mental health, employees often need a gradual re-entry to the job. Income protection can cushion that transition by topping up pay during a phased return. People can ease back into their workload without the extra stress of reduced income, lowering their risk of relapse.How YuLife protects employees' mental healthAs a provider of Group Income Protection insurance and other employee benefits, YuLife takes a unique approach to supporting mental health. Central to this is a gamified wellbeing app that encourages and rewards healthy habits.The app features challenges and competitions that motivate employees to engage in activities that help improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. For example, employees can earn points for completing mindfulness exercises, achieving daily step goals, or participating in team-based challenges. These points can be redeemed for rewards, creating a fun and engaging way to cultivate positive habits.The app also includes access to a library of resources on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and resilience, providing staff with practical tools and strategies to support their mental health.By combining traditional Group Income Protection with wellbeing solutions, YuLife helps to reduce the risk of burnout and foster a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce overall.About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.