Description

Canada has witnessed an increased awareness of the importance of good mental health and of the cost of mental illness to individuals, their families, and their workplaces. In 2012, the Conference Board of Canada estimated the cost of mental illness to Canadian employers; it found that mental health related conditions among working aged Canadians cost employers $20.7 billion annually due to losses in labour force participation. With 1 in 5 (20%) Canadians personally experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime and two thirds of Canadians spending 60% or more of their time at work the question becomes how is this being recognized, managed and supported within our workplaces?
 
A physical injury or illness has historically been met with acceptance among the workforce as one can witness an individual working to recover their physical health. This is typically not the case for individuals recovering their mental/psychological health as it is not as tangible as a physical injury or illness. This work can be undermined if workplaces are not psychologically supportive and where high levels or discrimination and stigmatization are present. This can be further intensified if managers and supervisors are not equipped to handle psychological health and safety and mental distress and/or crisis, and finally where policies and procedures are not psychologically inclusive.
 
As health service providers for the past 19 years, Bridges Health has come to realize that reduced psychological health and safety within any workforce can affect organizational culture, engagement and productivity. Working Well: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace will highlight and provide practical solutions to addressing mental health in the workplace, engaging in difficult conversations and performance managing mental health related concerns.
 
Click here to view the agenda.