Short-term and long-term disability claims show that incidences of depression are increasing in the workplace. But, did you know that approximately 10% of employees will experience a substance abuse disorder and that substance disorders are more common among those with a mental condition? Employers need to be asking themselves, “Why is my employee going on […]
Depression and anxiety tend to affect people during their prime working years. These conditions impact cognitive, interpersonal and motivational skills—all critical elements to being productive at work. And, they are the fastest rising cause of short- and long-term disability. “Workplaces are a high source of stress for most people,” says Joti Samra, clinical psychologist and […]
Joti Samra, clinical psychologist and adjunct professor and scientist with the Faculty of Health Sciences Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, gave an educational presentation on improving mental health in the workplace at the Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference, hosted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans in Las Vegas. Here are some key […]
Since bill 168 was introduced in June 2010, which amended the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act to strengthen protections for workers against workplace violence and harassment, there has been a marked increase in legal investigations into related complaints, explains Kevin Robinson, a lawyer with Bernardi Human Resources Law in Mississauga, Ont. Robinson, speaking about […]
Dubbed “Blue Monday,” January 17 (or the third Monday of January) is supposed to the most depressing day of the year. The day originated in Europe when a British academic put his name on a mathematical formula (which is said to have first started as a publicity campaign for a travel company) that combined weather, […]
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace is a voluntary standard for employers, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the federal government.
It is an employer’s duty to provide a psychologically safe workplace, said Dr. Martin Shain, director and founder of the Neighbour at Work Centre, speaking at the Shepell•fgi Day of Discovery in Toronto on November 5. In law, how we treat mental injury is a relatively new concept, he said. Mental injury is “significant harm […]
In 1979, not many people would have shared Dr. Robert Wilson’s vision of creating an employer-sponsored psychological health benefit for workers with mental health issues. As Wilson says today, the common view at the time was that employers had no right to interfere in the personal affairs of their employees. But his experience setting up […]
A person’s place of work has a notable influence on his or her mental health. As more and more employers are being held legally responsible for the mental health of their employees, it’s paramount to increase employers’ awareness of what constitutes a psychologically healthy workplace. The legal case The roles and responsibilities of employers and […]
Many Companies have changed their priorities due to the recession, but they shouldn’t neglect their most valuable assets. I recently attended the Xeffects conference in Toronto on women and mental health in the workplace. After a morning of informative sessions, I wrote a brief article on the event, ensuring that it would be posted on […]