WATERDOWN, ON, Nov. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Mindful Employer Canada officially launched today to highlight organizations and businesses that publicly commit to supporting workplace mental health. Mindful Employer Canada joins a growing international group that includes Australia and New Zealand. The concept originated and is licenced by Mindful Employer United Kingdom. Each country has customized the program to meet its unique needs.
This not-for-profit initiative is being led by Mary Ann Baynton who is a recognized national expert on workplace mental health. It's Baynton's way of showing appreciation for the employers, union representatives, and managers across Canada who quietly support employees through all kinds of mental health concerns. "For an employee with depression or anxiety, support to remain productive in a healthy workplace may contribute more to recovery than staying at home alone," says Baynton. "Mindful Employer highlights those who publicly commit to support workplace mental health. This commitment is valued by potential investors, employees and customers."
The initiative has two main features: the Mindful Employer Charter and Mindful Manager.
Charter for Canadian Employers Supporting Workplace Mental Health
Employers demonstrate their public commitment to support workplace mental health by signing the free online Charter for Canadian Employers Supporting Workplace Mental Health. Signing does not involve qualification or certification. It can also help organizations work towards the National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace in the following ways:
Each organization that signs the Charter can have their logo and a link to their site on the Mindful Employer Canada website at no cost. This supports participation of small business owners who employ the majority of employees with mental health concerns. Webinars, tools and publications are available for purchase, but completely optional.
Becoming a Mindful Manager
Mindful Manager is aimed at supporting supervisors, managers, human resources personnel, occupational health professionals, union representatives or anyone who supports employees with mental health concerns.
Baynton emphasizes that Mindful Employer and Mindful Manager are not about always 'doing it right'. "The word mindful means being aware. Being aware of the value of supporting a mentally healthy workplace makes good business sense."
Image with caption: "Mindful Employer Canada (CNW Group/Mindful Employer Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131129_C5043_PHOTO_EN_34099.jpg
SOURCE: Mindful Employer Canada
For further information:
Contact: Sarah Jenner, National Manager, Mindful Employer Canada
[email protected] 1-905-689-5551 www.mindfulemployer.ca
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