HAMILTON, ON (May 3, 2012) – In Canada, mental health disorders in the workplace, cost Canadian companies nearly 14% of their net annual profits, and up to $16 billion annually*. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) stresses that mental health, safety and well-being are important issues Canadian workplaces need to address.
“It’s important to include mental health as part of any successful business strategy to encourage a healthier workplace,” says Steve Horvath, President and CEO at CCOHS. A psychologically safe and healthy workplace is one that promotes workers' mental well-being and does not harm employee mental health through negligent, reckless or intentional ways.
To help organizations take action on creating a mentally healthy workplace, CCOHS has a variety of resources available.
Webinar
During Mental Health Week (May 7 to 13) CCOHS will be broadcasting a live webinar Psychological Health and Safety: An Employers Guide, on Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Registration is free and can be found on the CCOHS website.
Healthy Minds at Work Portal
The Healthy Minds at Work portal features a collection of online resources aimed at providing workplaces with assistance in developing strategies to promote mental health at work as well as effectively handling existing mental health issues. Users will find resources to assist in developing and implementing effective approaches to promoting mental health at work.
CCOHS’ Forum IV: Better Together
CCOHS’ Forum IV: Better Together will be held October 29 to 30, 2012, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through the key discussion topics of mental health, psychosocial work factors and musculoskeletal disorders, harassment and bullying, and integrated workplace health and safety, participants will be encouraged to work together towards solutions for the total health of workers. More information about the program and registration as well as, early bird, group, member and student discounts is available at www.ccohs.ca/events/forumIV/.
Additional resources about workplace mental health is available on the CCOHS website.
*Statistics provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association.