Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace: A Need to Have, Not Just a 'Nice to Have'
Canada-Europe exchange on mental health in the workplace to open The Better Workplace Conference 2013
NANAIMO, BC, May 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Mental health issues make up the majority of short-term and long-term disability claims and cost the Canadian economy an estimated $51 Billion per year.
With these statistics in mind, The Health Work & Wellness™ Group, experts in creating better workplaces, are pleased to present The Better Workplace Conference 2013 from October 16 to 18 in Halifax, NS. The conference themes, Leadership, Culture and Return on Investment will be explored with a strong focus on mental health in the workplace.
"It is estimated that one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime," said Deborah Connors, President, The Health Work & Wellness™ Group and founder of The Better Workplace Conference. "Mental illnesses are the fastest growing disability claim in the Canadian workplace and it is critically important for organizations to have training, tools and programs in place to not only recognize and manage this, but to prevent issues where possible. Companies that strategically address these issues have far less worker absenteeism, presenteeism, and ultimately higher productivity."
The Opening Morning Keynote presentation this year will share innovative strategies across continents with a Canada-Europe exchange on mental health in the workplace. Additionally, the conference includes a half-day workshop on mental health and addiction, and many other sessions related to organizational health.
In January a new national set of workplace standards were introduced by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The new standards were designed to help employers and unions to promote mental health in the workplace. The standards and how organizations can effectively implement them will be discussed at the conference.
The conference will include the following Keynote presentations:
- Canada - Europe Exchange on Workplace Mental Health, strategies presented by Sari Sairanen, National Health and Safety Director at the CAW and member of the Technical Committee on the new Canadian Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, and Thomas Schneberger, Head of Workplace Health Management for RWE AG in Germany. This keynote will be chaired by Dr. Kevin Kelloway, Canada Research Chair in Occupational Health Psychology at St. Mary's University
- Put on Your Oxygen Mask First: Sustainable leadership for a better workplace presented by Amy Jen Su, acclaimed executive coach and speaker.
About The Better Workplace Conference and Health Work & Wellness™ Group
The Better Workplace Conference is the premier forum in Canada, trusted for 17 years for helping to create positive change for better business performance. Website: www.healthworkandwellness.com.
The Health Work & Wellness™ Group are a leading resource for information, tools and strategies, and a year-round forum for innovation and idea exchange. Website: www.healthworkandwellness.com.
SOURCE: Health Work Wellness Group Inc.
For further information:
Media Contact:
Lynne Henshaw-Allan
Phone: 778-995-7701
[email protected]
Share this article