The Empire Life Insurance Co. is introducing mental-health first-aid training for leaders across its organization.
Provided by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the training aims to equip leaders to navigate sensitive conversations, according to a press release, which noted Empire Life is working to prepare leaders to recognize changes in an employee’s mental health and respond supportively through difficult times.
Read: 80% of Canadian SMEs not confident employees would disclose mental-health issues: survey
“Wellness in the workplace is the foundation of organizational performance,” said Richard Carty, senior vice-president of human resources, in the release. “By empowering our leaders with the tools to have these impactful conversations, we’re fostering a more resilient and caring workforce. When leaders listen and act with empathy, it creates a culture of belonging where employees feel safe and have the support they need to thrive and excel.”
A 2025 report by Simon Fraser University found employees who have a workplace that’s highly supportive of mental health are 55 per cent more likely to disclose their mental-health concerns to a manager, noted the release.
At Empire Life, more than 70 leaders and employees have completed the course so far, with the organization committed to extending it to all leaders.
Read: How Pratt & Whitney’s winning mental-health program supports employees, strengthens leadership