Mental health has a large impact on workplaces.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, more than 500,000 Canadians won’t go to work because of mental illness each week, more than 30% of disability claims and 70% of disability costs are attributed to mental illness; and about $51 billion each year is lost from the Canadian economy because of mental illness.
Below are some articles on the impact of mental health in the workplace and some resources for employers.
Mental health in the workplace
When it comes to maintaining and improving employee wellness, mental health has become a lead topic for employers and benefit providers—and with good reason.
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The missing link: The connection between physical and mental health
Growing awareness of the significant impact that mental illness has on workplace productivity, employee engagement and organizational budgets has prompted employers to begin developing strategies to encourage mental health in the workplace.
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Recognizing the warning signs of mental distress
People leaders often struggle with managing employees when there seems to be a personal issue impacting job performance, especially when there could be an emerging mental health issue at play.
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Mental health literacy a concern
Typically, people tend to not look after their mental health to the same extent as their physical health. Despite research showing the prevalence of mental illnesses and related issues in Canada, mental health is still not a top health priority for the general public.
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Mental Health Week: Taking action in the workplace
May 5 marks the start of Mental Health Week in Canada, which is designed to encourage people to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.
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140 organizations take part in mental health initiative
In support of Mental Health Week, Partners for Mental Health announced that 140 organizations are participating in its Not Myself Today workplace initiative.
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Mental Health Week 2014
This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association is launching a new initiative.
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Do mental health programs boost work productivity? Take our poll.
Resources
Psychological Health and Safety: An Action Guide for Employers
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has created a workplace guide on mental health, Psychological Health and Safety: An Action Guide for Employers. Download the guide from the MHCC’s website.
Not Myself Today mental health tool kit
Download a mini version of the mental health tool kit here from the Not Myself Today website.
Mental Health@Work Training Program
Canada’s first university-certified Mental Health@Work Training Program was launched in January by Bell Canada and Morneau Shepell, in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University. Those interested in the program can get more information and register through Morneau Shepell at workplacelearning@morneaushepell.com.
Mental Health Week events
See a complete list of Mental Health Week events on the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website.