While the majority of employers provide an employee assistance program to employees, very few believe their company’s senior leadership demonstrates a commitment to mental health, according to a new survey by CivicAction.
The not-for-profit organization surveyed employers that are using its MindsMatter online assessment, which provides actions and resources to help organizations better support their employees’ mental health. Since the program was launched a year ago, more than 600 employers across Canada have completed the tool.
While 74 per cent of participants reported their company has an employee assistance program, only 28 per cent said they were aware of senior leadership publicly demonstrating their commitment to mental health. Additionally, only 17 per cent of survey respondents said senior leadership had established a process to track the mental well-being of the organization.
“Senior leaders need to show they’re committed to better workplace mental health through words and actions,” said Paula Allen, vice-president of research and integrative solutions at Morneau Shepell Ltd. and co-chair of CivicAction’s Mental Health in the Workplace Champions Council.
“Employees need to see that an organization, from the top down, is intentionally reducing the risk of mental-health issues in the first place, in addition to supporting people in times of need.”
Read: What can employers do to create psychologically healthy workplaces?