Press Release: Ontario Human Rights Commission; Human Rights at Work handbook now available.

Millions of Workdays Lost to Mental Illness

 

Workplace mental health training offered Employer’s lack of understanding and compassion about mental illness can cause employees to take a leave of absence and eventually to quit. Training is avaible to help employers, managers and employees improve their workplaces.

 

Stressed workers' mental health at risk With increasing rates of anxiety and depression in the workplace it should reassure you to know that people across the country and world are working to protect your mental health. This October Calgary is hosting a conference to address the effects of on-the-job depression.

 

Ontario court stands up to fight the stigma of mental illness Canadian employers may not like an Ontario court's decision objecting to the firing of an employee with a major mental illness. But the ruling in the case of Paul Lane, who was fired eight days into the job when he began acting strangely, struck a blow against the stigma of mental illness.

 

Atlantic Canada Human Resources Awards recognized on October 4, 2007, the Canadian Mental Health Association - PEI Division and HRA, an Atlantic Canada labour relations and human resource management firm, for their strategic partnership to deliver Complex Issues Clear Solutions to employer

 

"It's not the work...it's the way the work is organized...that matters" Study ranks most stressful jobs, see Oct 4, 2007 National Post article for full story.

 

Treating depressed workers boosts productivity, retention: Study

CBC reports on study "Enhanced Depression Treatment and work Outcomes" released in the Sept 26th issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 

 

Finding right balance improves mental equilibrium; Psychologists put together online workbook dealing specifically with work-related depression [Read more]

 

Employer Innovations; Employer Innovations Online helps employers take action to address mental health at the workplace by providing case examples of successful corporate approaches.

 

When mental health issues affect the workplace

 

Canada Workplaces deal with Anxiety and Depression

Employers are often asked to be all things to their employees and many times struggle with what to do or knowing what is appropriate. 

In this section you will find the help you have been searching for.

Find answers to...

• How can I approach an employee about their mental illness?

• What are the accommodation rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and unions?

• What kinds of accommodations are people with mental health issues likely to need?

[read more]

"Complex Issues. Clear Solutions." Management Workshop
This award-winning training enables management to more effectively:

• Discuss sensitive or contentious issues with employees
• Resolve conflicts more effectively
• Separate performance issues from mental health issues
• Create accommodation strategies that work
• Avoid discrimination and human rights violations

[read more]

 

Q: Do I have to tell my employer that I'm ill?
A: If you are able to come to work, in most cases you do not have to tell your employer that you are ill. However, if you have a mental health problem that could affect your ability to do your job, you will need to consider the benefits and risks of disclosure. [Read more]

 

Q: What kinds of accommodations can I ask for?
A: There is no list of reasonable accommodations that you must choose from; the process of finding an accommodation should be based on your needs and your employer's resources. If you are working for a small company with only three employees, your employer may not be able to provide the same type of accommodation as a large employer. [read more]

Mental Health Works has certified trainers available to deliver workshops and training to your organization. 

 

To find out more about events in your area or to discuss workshops for your management team [click here]

 

 

"As a peer, I use my story to help others who are experiencing mental health problems in the workplace..." - Mandi Luis

I wish I knew...

• I was at risk for depression
• I was ill, not weak
• Information about treatment
• Depression would impact every area of my life
• I needed help earlier
• I was not the only one that had experienced this
• I needed to be valued at work
• It was okay to ask for my manager's help
• People at my workplace needed to listen
• I needed ongoing support at work
• I needed my benefits to cover more then six sessions of therapy
• I needed organizational support during the discussions with my subordinates, colleagues and supervisors about my recovery
• I needed to return to work gradually using a process of accommodation to help me
• I needed information, support and adequate time to consider options
• That it can take a long time to recover from depression

What I wish I knew: A snapshot of my experience with mental illness at work   [Read more]