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The vast amount of individuals on social networks, particularly Twitter and Twitch, conversing about Workplace Mental Health Programs keeps on growing weekly. What are your thoughts on Workplace Mental Health Programs?

One of the easiest first steps towards improving the mental health of your workforce is to discuss with them issues that might affect their wellbeing. These may or may not be purely work related. For example, sometimes people don't know that making healthy choices, like eating a balanced diet, taking exercise and having a sensible work-life balance, can protect their mental health in the same way that it does their physical health. We need to de-medicalize discussion around mental health because the most important factors are the preventative role of line managers and good people management. It’s important to note that someone experiences a mental illness, not that they’re suffering from a mental illness. You, hopefully, wouldn’t say that someone is suffering from diabetes, but rather, that they have diabetes. To say that someone is suffering from mental illness stigmatizes it further and makes it seem as though it’s the entirety of who they are, which is not the case. Clinical screenings from mental health professionals that provide feedback and clinical referrals when appropriate. The effort of seeking evaluation and treatment can otherwise be a barrier. Policies for employee mental health are explicitly linked to the organization’s mission and values. Organizational goals are aligned to promote employee mental health and hold supervisors accountable for a mental health-friendly workplace. Job burnout shouldn’t be taken lightly and can lead to physical health problems and depression. Employees experiencing burnout stress may struggle with exhaustion leading to a lack of focus, cynicism, irritability or detachment and feelings of ineffectiveness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. But WHO also found that for every $1 spent on treating common mental health concerns, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. Mental illness can have a big impact on the way we work. With one in five Canadians affected by a mental illness, the economic impact in Canada is estimated at $51 billion and mental health claims rank in the top three of long-term disability claims. Statistics like these prove there’s a real need to foster mental health in your workplace, both for your business and the personal well-being of your employees. The last decade has seen the rise of megacorporations around the world – companies who have hit unprecedented economic heights, providing countless jobs to the global working population. However, amidst this incredible progress and productivity, one glaring issue appears to have taken a bit of a backseat – mental well-being. When we say mental health, we’re talking about the psychological and emotional wellbeing of someone. A positive mental state of mind is just as important as staying fit. Although the two are separate, they go hand in hand in ensuring we remain healthy throughout life. Communication that emphasizes that leadership cares about concepts such as managing employees with mental health issues should be welcomed in the working environment.