CMHA-WECB: October is Healthy Workplace Month
October is Healthy Workplace Month
CMHA-WECB – Here to Help!
In early 2020 the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) launched On the Frontlines, a mental health and wellness program targeted at those working “on the frontlines”. Little did we know that frontline professionals were about to be tested physically, mentally, and emotionally by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast forward to 2024 and workplace mental health remains at the forefront with more companies recognizing the importance of employee well-being and psychological health and safety in the workplace.
- In any given week, 500,000 Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems or illnesses (Howatt et al., 2022)
- 70% of Canadians are concerned about the psychological health and safety of their workplace, and 14% don’t think their workplace is safe or healthy (Government of Canada, 2016)
- Psychological health problems and illnesses are the number one cause of disability in Canada (Government of Canada, 2016)
- About 30% of short and long-term disability claims in Canada are attributed to mental health problems and illnesses (Howatt et al., 2022)
- The cost to Canadian companies in lost productivity per year due to workers calling in sick as a result of mental health issues is estimated at $16.6 billion (Mercer, 2018)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada launched the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in 2013. “The Standard” is a voluntary set of guidelines, tools, and resources to guide organizations in promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work. CMHA-WECB’s Workplace Outreach Workers are trained in The Standard.
Established in 2001, Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month brings awareness to the importance of healthy workplaces for the short and long-term success of organizations and the well-being of employees.
CMHA-WECB’s Workplace Outreach Workers work exclusively with organizations to understand the unique challenges of each workplace and develop programs tailored to address diverse needs while fostering mental health awareness, support, and resiliency. Our Rooted in Wellness program recognizes employers who foster a healthy and safe workplace culture through engagement with our Workplace Outreach services.
Investing in psychological health and safety pays returns from improved employee morale, fewer sick days and fewer long-term disability claims. Additionally,
- In organizations that implement The Standard, only 5% of employees say their workplace is psychologically unhealthy, versus 13% who have not implemented it, and employees who have or are experiencing depression miss 5.1 fewer days
- More than half of organizations that reported offering wellness plans and that have measured their impact reported a decrease in absenteeism and even greater percentages of financial sustainability, productivity and employee satisfaction (Government of Canada, 2016)
- In a report from Dewa et al (2009), Ontario employees who received appropriate care had fewer short-term disability days. For every 100 individuals this translated into $50,000 in disability benefit savings (roughly $500 per person) (Dewa et al., 2009).
CMHA-WECB Workplace Outreach Workers have three lunch and learn webinars planned throughout October, as well as a Mental Health First Aid training, which is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
- October 2 – Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace
- October 16 – How to Beat Workplace Stress – Emotional Regulation & Burnout
- October 22 – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
- October 25 – Mental Health First Aid
- October 30 – Coping with Loss in the Workplace
To schedule your free needs assessment and determine how our team can help yours, contact mhp@cmha-wecb.on.ca.
