Mental health is an issue that impacts every workplace in Canada. The workplace can contribute positively or negatively to a person’s mental health (Government of Canada, 2018).
A positive social and physical environment created in a workplace can impact on an employee’s mental well-being, and in turn, can protect their physical health. This can provide cost savings for the employer from reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs. Mental health in the workplace is also known as a psychologically healthy workplace.
"Workplace stress" is the harmful physical and emotional responses that can happen when there is a conflict between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands. In general, the combination of high demands in a job and a low amount of control over the situation can lead to stress (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety).
Resources to support mental health promotion include:
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Guarding Minds @ Work – is a unique and free online resource to help employers - large or small, in the public or private sector - assess, protect and promote psychological health and safety in their workplaces.
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Healthy Minds @ Work - provides information, education, resources and other tools related to mental health at work.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) –provides information on the purpose of an Employee Assistance Program and the types of services an EAP provides.
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Flexible Work Arrangements - provides information on what flexible work arrangements are and how they can benefits businesses and workplaces. The webpage also provides information on what should be considered when developing a flexible work policy.
