Legal & General has partnered with a national charity to help employers minimise absences due to staff mental health problems.
Legal & General clients with group protection insurance will now have access to the charity's - Rethink Mental Illness - information and resources on a range of issues.
The charity will also provide training on management tools that can be used to support staff and reduce time off for stress, anxiety and depression.
Jim Islam, managing director of Legal & General group protection, said: "The number of people affected by mental health conditions is worryingly on the rise, with issues like stress and depression experienced by millions across the UK.
"Mental health problems are estimated to cost England over £77bn a year and so everything that can be done must be done to tackle this issue."
He added issues like stress often started in the workplace and it was vital businesses had support to help employees receive assistance needed and spot early warning signs.
Paul Jenkins, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: "We will aim to create better understanding of mental health amongst employers and teach them practical ways in which they can support their staff to stay well.
"Creating a working environment in which mental health is a top priority is good for both the individual and their employers."
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated one in six adults had a significant mental health problem each year, while between 8 and 12% of the population experience depression in any year.
In 2011, 14m work days were lost in the UK due to mental health conditions.
