Ontario Power Generation raising awareness, support during Mental Health Week

The focus on different generations ties into youth mental health. “Our organization is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment and that includes the well-being of family members as well.”

Read: My Take: Employer support important when managing child’s mental-health issue

OPG has a dedicated page featuring the theme, with links to relevant programs and resources, including blogs, videos and articles. It’s also sharing short articles through Viva Engage, an internal communications platform, to highlight the resources in its employee assistance program, which is also available to employees’ dependants.

One example is a platform that offers five-minute meditation sessions guided by a live coach. “It brings human connection to meditation and pairs perfectly with our existing on-demand audio mediation series,” says Dobbie.

The organization also offers a monthly wellness workshop, with May’s workshop focused on managing anxiety. It’s a one-hour, instructor-lead webinar that will teach employees how to differentiate between everyday stress and anxiety disorders. “This workshop will really try to get at helping people understand the difference and recognizing the common triggers — like cognitive overload — and then what they can do in those circumstances and what supports are available.”

Read: How 5 employers are designing mental-health benefits that cater to a diverse workforce

The workshop will also share 10 newer strategies to help manage anxiety and build resilience, including practical tips around nutrition and mindfulness practices like Jin Shin Jyutsu.

In terms of how this week’s mental-health focus ties to OPG’s broader wellness program, Dobbie says psychological safety is one of the organization’s core values. “We are 100 per cent committed to a supportive and inclusive environment and these resources continue to support employees to be empowered to prioritize their well-being.”