Mental Health in the Canadian Workplace
21.4% of the working population in CANADA currently experience mental health problems and illnesses
30% of all Short and Long Term Disability Claims
EFFECTS ON INDIVIDUALS
- Heart problems
- Aggression/Conflicts
- Back pain
- Substance abuse
- Cancers
- Reduced adaptability
- Other injuries/illnesses
- Impaired learning/memory
- Infections
- Increased passivity
EFFECTS ON WORKPLACES
FINANCIAL
- Premiums
- Health/Benefit Costs
- Recruitment Costs
PRODUCTIVITY
- Absenteeism
- Presenteeism (present at work, but not engaged or productive)
STRESS CONTRIBUTORS
- High demand
- Low control
- High effort
- Low reward
COST TO CANADIANS
$50 BILLION
- health care
- lost time
- work disruptions
A supportive work environment can reduce ONSET, SEVERITY, IMPACT & DURACTION of a mental illness.
A psychologically healthy workplace is one in which every reasonable effort is made to promote the mental health of employees.
Only 23% of Canadians feel comfortable talking to their employer about their mental illness for fear of facing discrimination or dismissal
WORKPLACE BENEFITS
- Increased Productivity
- Sustainability and Growth
- Employee Retention
- Employee Engagement
What can EMPLOYERS do to help?
- Optimize work processes
- Restructure tasks
- Increase worker control
- Recognize contributions
- Improve dialogue
- Encourage and strengthen social support
- Clearly define roles and expectations
- Have conflict resolution practices in place
- Promote healthy, physical activity
- Make mental well-being part of the organizational structure
10 HEALTHY HABITS for mental fitness
- Schedule “me-time” daily
- Reward yourself
- Play to your strengths
- Ask for help and offer to help
- De-stress your diet
- Press pause once in a while. Downtime is good!
- Get regular physical activity
- Set goals and stay on target with a journal
- Practice relaxation techniques and get enough sleep
- Choose a positive attitude
Statistical Sources: Making the Case for Investing in Mental Health in Canada, Mental Health Commission of Canada Canadian Medical Association
CCOHS.ca
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety