With so much global uncertainty, we understand that 2020 has been a turbulent ride for many and creating a safe and healthy workplace is vital for employers as they move forward into 2021. A wide body of evidence suggests that maintaining a positive work environment can boost employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity as well as reduce health costs, employee turnover, and lost work time. Psychological wellbeing in the workplace can be overlooked, as often it isn’t as noticeable as a physical injury or trauma, but the facts below from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, as well as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety speak for themselves:
- 1 in 5 Canadians experience a psychological health problem or illness in any given year.
- In any given week, 500,000 Canadians do not go to work due to a psychological health issue.
- Psychological health problems and illnesses are the number one cause of disability in Canada.
- Psychological health problems cost the Canadian economy ~$51 billion per year, $20 billion of which results from work-related causes.
- 47% of working Canadians consider their work to be the most stressful part of daily life.
- Psychological health problems affect mid-career workers the most, lowering the productivity of the Canadian workforce.
- Only 23% of Canadian workers would feel comfortable talking to their employer about a psychological health issue.
This year allow World Mental Health Day to serve as a reminder to ensure as employers that you are taking all necessary steps to create a healthy and safe workplace, under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Clear communication and understanding relationships in the workplace are two steps in the right direction. For more information and resources, we encourage you to visit the Mental Health Commission website.