Although certainly not a new topic, over the past few years we’ve seen an increased interest in the topic of workplace mental health.
And one thing we consistently hear from our community is that, while they know that workplace mental health is important, they just aren’t sure exactly where to start or what resources are available.
To help you access the tools you need, we’ve put together this list of workplace mental health resources from across Canada.
Guarding Minds at Work is a tool for employers to effectively assess and address the psychosocial factors known to have an impact on organizational health, the health of individual employees, and the financial bottom line. Guarding Minds is available to all employers – large or small, in the public or private sector – for free.
A program of CMHA Ontario, Mental Health Works provides capacity building workshops on workplace mental health to both employers and employees. Their workshops and packages are designed to help your organization build mental health awareness, teach employees/leaders how to respond to challenging situations, and encourage collaboration to create a healthier, safer workplace.
National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard) – the first of its kind in the world, is a set of voluntary guidelines, tools and resources intended to guide organizations in promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work. The Mental Health Commission of Canada has free toolkits available to help organizations implement the Standard.
Not Myself Today is a social enterprise of the Canadian Mental Health Association, National. Informed by the latest research, Not Myself Today is a practical and proven solution for transforming mental health in your workplace. An annual subscription gets you and your employees full access to the member-only online portal. Not Myself Today was created to help reduce stigma and support mental health at work.
Tolerance for Uncertainty: A COVID-19 Workbook
This free, downloadable workbook offers an opportunity to learn new skills for tolerating distress and moving forward in uncertain times. It is also an invitation to learn skills that assist with alleviating and better managing stress and anxiety, which are equally applicable outside the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded by the Government of Canada, Wellness Together Canada was created in response to a rise in mental health and substance use concerns since the COVID-19 pandemic. Wellness Together Canada is designed to be used on demand. That means you get to choose what you need, when you need it. Their services range from basic wellness information, to one-on-one sessions with a counsellor, to community support.
YMCA WorkWell helps organizations get a stronger understanding of their workplace culture through employee assessments and tailored reports and consultations. They also offer workshops to leaders, staff, and individuals, and produce in-depth, free annual reports covering the latest workplace mental health data in Canada.
This free program aims to assist Ontario organizations in supporting Leaders, Health Care Workers, and Support Staff working in hospitals, long-term care, as well as home and community settings. Through interactive live workshops, and/or self-directed modules, your team will learn effective strategies to address chronic workplace stress and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Finally, here are some CharityVillage resources you might also find helpful.
CharityVillage Connects: Workplace Mental Health in the Age of COVID
This podcast episode from January 2022 explored how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the chronic mental health challenges faced by nonprofit professionals. Listen to sector experts discuss the impacts of burnout, isolation and depression, as well as potential solutions designed to help employers create lasting change.
In February 2023, we revisited this topic for a wellness check up on the sector. Mental health and sector experts weighed in on what had changed over the past year and offered practical steps sector leaders can implement right now to better support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and volunteers.
Mental Health and Psychological Safety at Work Master Certificate Program
This 10-part Master Certificate Program was developed by leading psychologists and mental health professionals, so you know you are receiving the most up to date and clinically sound information on the market today. The interactive modules explain the many aspects related to workplace mental health and clinicians provide clear guidance on how to optimally address these delicate and complex issues within a work setting.
New Solutions for Old Problems: Tackling Workplace Mental Health in 2023
Disengaged workers, work overload, and burnout are not new workforce problems and were actually steadily increasing well before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic created a tipping point, challenging not only long-held assumptions about the possibilities of working from home but also the power balance between employer and employee. Watch this recorded webinar to understand how you can uncover new approaches to the workplace that foster positive mental health and wellbeing.
