Media Advisory - Workplace Wellness and Mental Health 2012

TORONTO, June 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Employee wellness has become a priority for employers. One in five Canadians have mental health challenges that will affect their work performance in their lives; and, financial rewards for damages caused by mental injury are expected to dramatically increase. Senior leaders are recognizing that employee wellness has an impact on organizational performance.

At Workplace Wellness and Mental Health 2012, hosted by The Conference Board of Canada, new research will be presented and attendees will hear from leading experts, top speakers, advocates and employers.

When:	Monday, June 18 to Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Who:	Mental and Physical Well-Being in the Workplace Stéphane Grenier, Former Lieutenant-Colonel of Canadian Forces and Founder of Mental Health Innovations Consulting, and Bailey Vaez, President and Founder of the Proactive Movement, will discuss two key issues of the conference - overall employee wellness and employees' mental health. Monday, 8.30 a.m. Wellness ROI—Are You Getting Your Money's Worth? Karla Thorpe, Director of Leadership and Human Resources Research at The Conference Board of Canada, will present the findings of Making the Business Case for Investments in Workplace Health and Wellness, which explains how employers can calculate the return on investment of workplace health and wellness programs. Monday, 9:30 a.m. Setting the Standard for Workplace Psychological Health and Safety The Hon. Michael J.L. Kirby, Chair of Partners for Mental Health, will outline the Mental Health Commission of Canada's efforts in developing a standard for workplace mental health. Monday, 12:15 p.m. Presenteeism: Recognizing the Cost, Building a Solution Emmanuelle A. Gaudette, Manager of Prevention and Health Promotion at Standard Life, will explore the role of HR and line managers in addressing causes, costs and consequences and how to prevent presenteeism. An Aging Workforce—Are You Prepared? David Harvey, Chief Public Policy and Program Initiatives Officer at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, will identify how companies can best support those affected by dementia. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.
Where:	Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel, Toronto, Ontario

For more information, visit: http://www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/12-0048/default.aspx

This event is sponsored in part by Morneau Shepell, Manulife Financial, Pfizer Canada Inc., Scotiabank, The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada, Homewood Human Solutions, Canadian College of Health Leaders, Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Works, Diversity! In the Workplace, Mood Disorders Society of Canada, Natural Health Care Canada, Tri Fit Inc, Bullfrog Power, Zero Footprint and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Media are asked to register in advance, as space is limited.
For more information or media accreditation, contact:
Françoise Makanda, Media Relations Coordinator,
Tel.: [phone], ext. 389. E-mail: [email protected]