Exploring gender differences in workplace mental health

This session will explore the crucial, yet often overlooked, topic of the differences between men and women in mental health and their impact on the workplace. It will provide valuable insights into how mental-health issues manifest differently in men and women and what these distinctions mean for employee well-being, productivity and overall workplace dynamics.

Speaker:

Carmen Bellows, registered psychologist, director, mental health solutions, Sun Life Financial

Self-management and psychosocial risks: A shared responsibility

With rising workplace demands, psychosocial risks like burnout and workplace violence are a growing concern. While not legally required in Canada, proactive management of psychosocial risks boosts employee well-being and performance. This session will explore how integrating mental-health self-management into risk prevention fosters resilience and shared responsibility. It will share best practices, real-world examples and group insurance solutions to support workplace mental health.

Speakers:

Valerie Fernandez, organizational health senior advisor, Beneva

Maude Villeneuve, coordinator, relief research chair in mental health, self-management and work, Laval University

Rethinking maternal mental health

The postpartum period represents a significant occasion for the first-time occurrence of mental-health disorders, particularly depression for the birthing parent. Unfortunately, few people seek attention during the postpartum period, a time when employees may feel distant from their workplace health supports. This session will explore how employers can integrate new evidence, health-care team members and group insurance solutions to better support women, birthing parents and their families.

Speaker:

Dr. Archana Vidyasankar, perinatal psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, faculty of medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland

This session has been made possible by Biogen Canada.

Managing addiction in the workplace

With addiction affecting individuals, their loved ones and their places of work, employers can foster a supportive environment, recognize early signs and provide assistance to their employees. Creating a healthy workplace culture can enhance employee well-being and productivity and group insurance is a tool that can help build a resilient workforce. This session will provide an overview of addiction, from substance abuse to behavioural dependence and will also delve into the different degrees of addiction severity. After a brief overview of the prevalence of the disease, it will identify the biggest areas of concern and provide concrete ways that employers can help.

Speaker:

Stéphanie Ipavec-Levasseur, director, product development, group insurance, Desjardins Insurance

Break

Supporting employees returning to work: Ideas and strategies to develop a workplace accommodation framework

This session will explore ideas and strategies to create effective workplace accommodation frameworks for employees who are returning to work. It will share how to support sustainable return to work following a disability and create an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. This insightful session will share ideas on how to improve organizational mental-health practices and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

Speaker:

Robert Cross, senior director, claims, contact centres, group benefits and retirement solutions, iA Financial Group

Bridging gaps: Advancing women's mental health

Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders, with young women experiencing the largest increase in depression and anxiety rates over the past 10 years. This session will explore the latest trends and statistics in women's mental health and uncover the barriers women face in accessing care. It will also discuss the pivotal roles that employers, insurers and technology can play in providing support as well as examining why investing in women's health not only boosts organizational reputation and employee loyalty but also fuels prosperity and innovation within the workforce.

Speaker:

Georgia Pomaki, director, mental health best practices, Canadian disability and group life, Manulife Canada

Diagnosing the disconnect: Rethinking ADHD care through data, lived experience and workplace impact

This timely and solutions-focused session will unpack the complexities around ADHD diagnosis and care, particularly amid growing concerns about overprescription and overdiagnosis. While recent data shows nearly 60 per cent of individuals seeking ADHD treatment may not meet diagnostic criteria, the real crisis lies in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of those who genuinely need support. Through a fireside chat featuring both personal stories and clinical insight, this session will examine the workplace impact of untreated ADHD, providing special attention to the rise in ADHD diagnoses among adult women and how benefits plans and care pathways must evolve to meet the needs of this growing demographic. It will move beyond the debate and towards evidence-based strategies that prioritize accuracy, equity and meaningful support.

Speakers:

Catherine Biermann, manager, digital products solutions and partnerships, Medavie Blue Cross

Dr. Hanif Chatur, founder, chief executive officer, Beyond ADHD

Kristina Rodenhurst, primary care nurse practitioner, Beyond ADHD

Workplace psychological safety through innovation

Peel Region was the proud recipient of a 2024 Workplace Benefits Award for its innovative approach to support the mental health of its diverse employees. This session will highlight aspects of its programs designed to support and encourage employee psychological well-being, including its use of a psychological health and safety framework to adopt the Canadian National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. It will share lessons learned through the development of initiatives like enhanced access to clinical support for first responders, improved accessibility of organizational psychological safety data and full integration of the mental-health continuum model into the organizational culture.

Speaker:

Carolyn Tong, manager, health and wellness, human resources, Peel Region