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

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.