With World Mental Health Day taking place on
Recent statistics show that mental illness affects one in five Canadians,(1) most commonly presenting itself in the form of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The effect has had a staggering impact on the workplace as everyday, 500,000 Canadian workers are absent from work due to mental health problems(2). Furthermore, mental illness costs the Canadian economy
During challenging economic times, employers need to reassure their employees that they are looking after their best interests and well-being. In order to become a healthy workplace, organizations need to collaborate with their employees to ensure that their physical and psychological needs are being met. Here are some tips on how to address mental health issues in the workplace.
- Recognize that mental health issues do exist in the workplace. When addressing the mental health of their workforce, organizations need to look at how individuals and the company as a whole are affected by it. One aspect that must be considered is the role workplaces play in creating mental health issues. For example, suddenly increasing an employee's workload may increase that person's stress levels, which could have devastating effects. By understanding psychological hazards and determining which workplace practices contribute to mental harm, companies can initiate policies, procedures, and programs that will create a safe environment where people can comfortably and safely work. - Equip workplaces with the right tools to recognize and address mental health in the workplace. Despite the fact that poor mental health affects employee productivity, creativity, and initiative, many organizations don't have the resources to deal with health issues such as depression and anxiety. Providing staff with information, resources, and training about mental health will give them greater awareness and understanding about the issue. It will also help them eliminate any stigmas or preconceived notions they may have about mental illnesses. Organizations that demonstrate this kind of awareness, support, and hope will create an environment where staff can confidently seek diagnosis and treatment. - People are an organization's most important assets. While organizations spend money on ensuring their worker's physical health and safety needs are being met, attention should also be directed towards their psychological needs. When employers hire individuals, they are hiring the individual as a whole and not just their ability to do a job. Ensuring the mental health of the workforce shows employees that they are valued and essential to the organization.
Addressing the mental health of employees can create a healthy workplace and boost organizational performance and the bottom line. Investing in the mental health of staff shows that employers are making health and safety a priority. By providing the necessary support, resources, and motivation, people can adopt healthy habits to ensure their mental health both at work and at home.
Submitted by IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association), a not-for-profit organization operating in Ontario since 1917. Representing more than 50,000 member firms and in excess of 1.5 million Ontario workers, IAPA is Canada's leader in workplace health, safety, and employee well-being.
---------------------- (1) Canadian Institute of Health Research. (2) Insurance Journal 2003, Government of Canada in The Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada, 2006 (3) Dr. Carolyn Dewa, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
For further information: Lena Wan, Communications and PR Specialist, IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association), Tel: (905) 614-4272, ext. 2247, E-mail: [email protected]
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