We work to live and live to work. Most humans spend the majority of their waking hours working. For most of us, work is the place where we feel the most accomplished and productive throughout our day. Yet still, for others their workplace can be a stress factor in their lives. A person’s well-being spans well beyond their physical state, but also accounts for their emotional and psychological well-being. Mental health employee programs are in place as an initiative to reduce and prevent any psychological harm. 

Mental health in the workplace is a topic that focuses on advocating and cultivating the wellbeing of employees in their workplace. In today’s fast-paced society, prioritizing mental health has become the norm for employers and employees alike. The Mental Health Commission of Canada states that in any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from mental health issues. Recognizing mental health patterns and stressors and knowing how to reduce them contributes to setting up a positive and productive workplace environment that is inclusive and accommodating to everyone. Employers play a huge role in doing their part to set-up a welcoming and productive workspace, and must go out of their way to reduce any contributing stressors in the workplace. 

Group Enroll has compiled a blog about the importance of recognizing the stressors that propel mental health issues in the workplace and how to set up a safe space that caters to the diverse and ever-evolving needs of the working force. Have a look at the information we’ve gathered in order to gain a better understanding of mental health at work and about the employee mental health programs that are available.

The Need for Employee Mental Health Programs

Mental health affects an individuals ability to regulate their mental, emotional, psychological and social well-being. We aim to deepen our understanding of the challenges that surround mental health, and the support and resources that are available. We will delve into the world of mental health in an effort to examine the issues and gain knowledge, insight and growth in order to provide everyone, regardless of their mental health, a healthy and cohesive work environment. This becomes especially important as the quality of mental health in our youth is on the decline as well. 

There are a number of laws in place in order to enforce the need for employee mental health programs such as the obligation for an employer to provide a safe and healthy work environment, laws on discrimination which sees that accommodations be made for individuals with mental health struggles, laws on privacy which ensures that all information on the state of an employees mental health should be kept confidential. 

In addition to legal obligations, there are also ethical ones in place surrounding mental health such as providing a supportive environment that does not discriminate and treats everyone as equals.

Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace: The Role of Programs

Employee Mental Health Programs make a healthier and more productive work environment for everyone. Employee Mental Health Programs are increasingly becoming part of the workplace flow, as the programs play a huge and crucial role in fostering a healthy and productive work environment. 

There is a huge reduction in the stigma that surrounds mental health. We are no longer afraid or embarrassed, or we no longer find it taboo to speak openly about things like anxiety and depression, and other mental health struggles. Employers are in fact, educating themselves on how to work cohesively with employees who struggle with mental health. There is an increase in media awareness on the subject as well. There are media campaigns that promote taking care of and nurturing our mental health, such as Bell Lets Talk Day. 

There are a number of advantages to having employee mental health programs enforced in the workplace via workplace benefits such as increased productivity, positivity and motivation. In addition, there is an increase in job morale and a general healthy working environment. Mental health programs in the workplace see the decrease of absenteeism and a decrease in workplace conflict. Employees miss less work, generating an overall more successful workplace for everyone. Educating your staff on how to maximize their benefits programs is a great first step to ensure that they have the right resources to access the necessary tools. 

Mental health programs play an important role in a workplace. Mental health programs strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. With access to resources, the programs bring awareness to mental health and provide an avenue and outlet for support. Many of these programs implement access to professional therapists for employees undergoing a challenge. In addition, the programs provide stress management resources and an avenue for work-life balance. Mental health programs succeed at creating a supportive and caring work environment that caters to its employees.

Implementing employee mental health programs is important for enhancing employee well-being as well as several other reasons such as creating a positive and productive work environment and to attract and retain top talent. Mental health programs encourage a work-life balance and offer an outlet and resources for everyone to grow and succeed.

Workplace Mental Health Initiatives in Action

Workplace mental health initiatives aim to provide a healthy and productive workplace for everyone. There are a number of initiatives in place in order to help achieve a workplace that is considerate and prioritizes mental health.

EAP – Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in Canada are workplace initiatives that support employees’ mental health and well-being. These programs offer confidential counseling, resources, and referral services for various personal and work-related challenges, promoting a healthy work environment and helping employees overcome difficulties to enhance their overall productivity and satisfaction. However, not every workplace in Canada offers EAP as they are typically found within a group benefits product, or purchased as a separate product altogether. As an alternative, it’s important to note that Service Canada offers EAP at no cost to individuals, 24/7.

National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace is a document created by the Mental Health Commission (MHCC) which aims to provide and sustain a mentally healthy workplace by providing employers with a guideline on reducing and preventing psychological harm in the workplace and also implementing a healthy and productive work environment. It offers a comprehensive framework that promotes the well-being of employees by addressing psychological hazards and fostering a supportive work environment.  The document guides organizations in implementing strategies to prevent psychological harm and support mental health in the workplace.

Wellness Together Canada

Funded by the Government of Canada to address the increased mental health challenges that arose as a result of Covid-19, Wellness Together Canada is an initiative that provides resources for mental health and substance use. Wellness Together Canada is a portal that provides access to counseling, self-guided courses and apps, and other resources to manage mental struggles. The portal is available in multiple languages and is accessible to many demographics as well.

Bell Let’s Talk Day

Bell Let’s Talk is an annual mental health initiative spearheaded by Bell Media, aiming to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding mental health. It serves as a platform for open conversations about mental health struggles, while also generating funds for mental health support and services. By encouraging dialogue and fundraising, Bell Let’s Talk contributes to fostering a more supportive and understanding society for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mental health initiatives play a huge role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health in Canada. Initiatives such as the ones discussed above successfully create awareness and spark positive conversations about the challenges that come with mental health. 

It is essential for businesses to provide an accommodating and inclusive work environment for everyone. Through campaigns and fundraising, organizations have done a stellar job at raising funds, increasing awareness and providing resources to combat the struggles surrounding mental health. Increased funding and awareness has directly improved access to resources for mental health. 

There are strategies in place in Canada that successfully reduce stressors of mental health. The programs are aimed at fostering a nurturing and welcoming environment, and at providing individuals with any supportive resources they may need in order to maintain health and well-being. 

While progress has been made, there is still however a lot of work to be done. Ongoing efforts need to constantly be in place in order to ensure that mental health programs are accessible to all Canadians, regardless of the state of their mental health or socio-economic status. The campaigns eradicate any remaining misconceptions and stigmas associated with mental health. With these ongoing efforts, Canada is well on the way to cultivating an empathetic and understanding culture that prioritizes mental well-being.

Group Enroll makes it simple and easy for businesses to offer their employees an extensive and competitive group benefits package. We make the process seamless by offering businesses our guidance and years of expertise in navigating the complexities of insurance policies. We offer customizable solutions with a broad range of products that cater to everyone’s needs.