Description
In this session, originally recorded on June 1, 2022, we asked Katharine Coons, National Senior Manager, Workplace Mental Health at Canadian Mental Health Association, to share her five good ideas on how create a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.
Read the full transcript. Download the session handout.
Five Good Ideas
Reduce stigma
Normalize the conversation
Use appropriate language
Hold space to check in
Prioritize flexibility
Involve your employees in decision-making
Remain agile and flexible
Get comfortable with the accommodation process
Lean on the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
Tools not rules
Explore how it can work for your organization
Bring in an expert
Review policies and procedures
Psychological health and safety policy
Periodically review
Share, update, and reshare
Provide training, programs, and benefits
Leadership training
Evaluate EAP programs and benefits
Consider additional programs (e.g., Not Myself Today)
Resources
Reducing stigma and building empathy
Flexibility and accommodation: Ontario Human Rights Commission policy and procedure
National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
Example of a psychical and psychological health, safety, and wellness policy statement by the mental health commission of Canada
CMHA’s workplace mental health training and programs
About the presenter
Katharine Coons, M.Sc National Senior Manager, Workplace Mental Health at Canadian Mental Health Association
Katharine is the National Senior Manager, Workplace Mental Health at Canadian Mental Health Association. She has over ten years experience working in mental health and holds a M.Sc. in Occupational Psychology focusing her thesis on Workplace Well-being. She has worked in a variety of industries across Canada and the U.K. and brings a diverse understanding of employee and organizational needs. Katharine is an expert columnist at Benefits Canada, has written for The Toronto Star and has been interviewed by the CBC, CPA Canada and Retail Insider. Katharine was also an expert judge of the 2021 Workplace Benefits Awards. She currently serves as the in-house expert and trainer for Not Myself Today and the workplace mental health program at CMHA National.
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