Creating a Culture of Mental Well-Being: How Managers Can Support Mental Health in the Workplace

26
Sep 2023
CPHR Alberta
230
A woman is comforting another woman who is sitting on a couch.

With World Mental Health Day approaching (October 10), we are highlighting the importance of mental health within the workplace. 

There's a lot to consider when building and maintaining a successful workplace, but one major factor is the psychological safety of your employees. 2021 statistics show that 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from a mental illness each year. 

We are all impacted by our mental health, and many of us live with mental illness. That is why it is crucial to understand how the workplace can affect those individuals. Taking steps towards learning how to create an inclusive and safe environment for all is just as important as providing support for those who need it.

To start off, how do we approach the topic of mental health in the workplace? 

When talking about mental health, it’s extremely important to be mindful of language. The use of “people-first language,” for example, using words like “I live with depression” instead of saying “I’m depressed.” Language matters and can significantly impact individuals with mental health concerns. When talking to an individual with lived experience, we can listen for and ask them what language they prefer to use. 

Be Proactive 

Providing a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace involves shifting resources towards prevention, allowing for earlier intervention, and creating a strong business case. It also means integrating workplace mental health into onboarding and leadership development strategies to remove any existing stigma. Invest in resources for your employees and use them yourself, you want to be a role model for your team while showing it is a safe space for them. Ideally, creating an environment where employees feel safe to seek help but are willing to also offer help. 

How managers can support their teams

Give your team time to invest in their mental health, such as offering time off, encouraging mindfulness, or providing other mental health support options. 

Make time to learn about workplace mental health resources and policies. 

Connect one-on-one with team members to understand their mental health concerns and offer support. 

Remind team members about Employee Family Assistant Programs (EFAP) and ensure resources are easily accessible. 

Understanding mental health is important as the workplace can affect those living with mental illness. Creating a mentally healthy workplace is vital to the success of employees and organizations alike.

There are many resources available for those living with mental illness, if you believe someone is in danger, please reach out to the Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-833-456-4566 


The information shared in this blog was adapted from CPHR Alberta's Blog "Mental Health in the Workplace - Information and Tools for HR Professionals" posted May 18, 2023. 


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.


The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



By Jessica Jaithoo December 4, 2025
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meets quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we are sharing post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on November 27, 2025, and is proud to share the strong momentum we are experiencing across our community. The Board’s key messages are as follows: Membership Growth As of September 30, 2025, we reached 7,213 active members, a 7% year-over-year increase, with the majority coming from student and emerging HR professionals. This growth affirms the momentum of our HR profession and the impact of our student engagement initiatives. Professional Development Member participation remains strong with 53 events held year-to-date, with 5,013 attendees across workshops, roundtables, webinars, and community sessions. Our complimentary events have played a key role in sustaining engagement and access to learning. Annual Conference The Annual Conference was a heavy focus for the association in Q3. The sold-out event continues to bring together our community for valuable professional development and networking opportunities, creating a strong foundation for 2026. Attendees reported high satisfaction, with over 370 in attendance, and a sold-out exhibitor hall. “The CPHR conference was incredibly educational and inspiring. The speakers motivated me, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I really enjoyed it, grew closer to my team, and I definitely want to attend again.” – 2025 Conference Attendee The 2026 event will be held at the BMO Centre, in Calgary on June 2 and 3 – with increased capacity, expanded exhibitor space, and enhanced programming will elevate the experience for all HR professionals across Alberta, NWT and Nunavut. Self-Regulation The Board continues to assess the implications of Alberta’s Professional Governance Act (PGA), including: Advocacy, legal, and governance impact assessments are being commissioned. Preliminary recommendations from management will be brought to the Board in March and June 2026, leading to a formal decision. Further information will be shared, when ready.  Future Vision Approved: 2026-2028 Strategic Plan Our new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan will be rolled out in December to all members. The 3-year Strategic Plan, crafted from member feedback, market research, and collaboration with CPHR Canada – aims to strengthen our profession’s influence, amplifies leadership, and creates pathways for all members to thrive. Fiscal Responsibility Our Q3 financial review remains on track for a balanced year-end forecast. The 2026 draft budget has been approved – aligning resources with our strategic priorities while maintaining a disciplined and responsible financial approach. Board Governance Our board continues to focus on good governance practice, ensure stability, clarity, and accountability across our organization. FCPHR Nominations A reminder that the prestigious Fellowship Award is open for nominations! This national program recognizes Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHRs) who have made exemplary contributions to the HR profession. Recipients are granted recognition as a Fellow of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (FCPHR). Click here to learn more about the Fellowship Award, including the guidelines and completing your nomination. You can also download a copy of the nomination form here. The next Board meeting takes place in March 2026, after which we will again share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!
By Jessica Jaithoo December 2, 2025
At CPHR Alberta, we believe that the future of work is being shaped by the decisions we make today. That’s why we’re proud to share our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan—a bold, member-informed roadmap that will guide our organization over the next three years. This plan is the result of a deeply collaborative process, led by our Board of Directors and developed in partnership with our operations team. It reflects the voices of our members, gathered through surveys and conversations, and is grounded in market research and aligned with the national priorities of CPHR Canada. Together, we’ve crafted a strategy that is responsive, forward-looking, and rooted in data. At its core, the plan is about strengthening the Human Resources profession and supporting the people who drive it. It reaffirms our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive HR community—one that is equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving workplace landscape. Our redefined vision and mission statements speak to this ambition, and our newly articulated values provide a foundation for how we work, connect, and grow. The strategic priorities outlined in the plan reflect the areas where we believe CPHR Alberta can make the greatest impact. They focus on elevating the visibility and influence of the HR profession, fostering innovation and leadership across our community, and deepening engagement with our members and partners. These priorities are designed to meet the diverse needs of our jurisdiction, from urban centers to rural communities, and to ensure that every CPHR has the tools and support to thrive. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the possibilities this plan unlocks. It’s a call to action—for our team, our Board, and our members—to work together in shaping the future of HR. Whether it’s through new learning opportunities, stronger regional connections, or amplifying the voice of HR in public discourse, we’re committed to leading with purpose and impact. We invite you to explore the full 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and see how our shared vision will come to life. Together, we’re building a future-ready HR community—one that’s connected, influential, and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
By Bailey Beauchamp December 1, 2025
Seeking CPHRs, Retired CPHRs and Public Board Members
MORE NEWS