Mental Health in the Workplace Kristin Bower Manager
Mental Health in the Workplace Kristin Bower Manager, Diversity & Inclusion
About Vancity 2
Agenda • Bias and mythology • Introduction to mental health • The cost of mental illness • to the Canadian economy • in the workplace • Activity • Tools and Resources • What you can do today 3
Unconscious Bias 4
Mythology • Mental illnesses aren’t real illnesses. • Mental illnesses will never affect me. • Mental illnesses are an excuse for bad behavior. • People with mental illnesses are violent & dangerous. • People with mental illnesses can’t work. • Managers have to be experts in mental health in order to support their employees. 5
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What determines YOUR mental health? 7
15% - Biology • Genetics 25% - Healthcare • Access to healthcare • Healthcare system • Wait times 10% - Environment • Air Quality • Civic infrastructure 8
• • • 50% - Your Life Income Early childhood development Disability Education Social exclusion Gender Employment/working conditions Race Indigenous status Safe & nutritious food Housing/homelessness Community belonging Source: Canadian Medical Association 2013 9
Examples of Mental Disorders ü Depression ü Anxiety ü Schizophrenia ü Bipolar ü OCD ü Addiction ü Eating Disorders 10
The Cost of an Unhealthy Workplace • • Stress related & mental illnesses Absenteeism / Presenteeism Benefit utilization rates increase Worker’s Compensation claims Workplace grievances Workplace conflict Turnover related costs 11
Employment & Wellbeing Employment = social & financial inclusion 90% $28. 8 B annually 2– 3 x 12
Depression ü Feelings of sadness or depressed mood ü Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed ü Changes in appetite ü Sleep issues ü Loss of energy / increased fatigue ü Feeling worthless or guilty ü Cognitive challenges ü Thoughts of death or suicide ü Pain 13
Anxiety ü Panic, fear and uneasiness ü Sleep problems ü Inability to remain calm and still ü Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet ü Shortness of breath ü Heart palpitations ü Dry mouth ü Nausea 14
Addiction ü Feeling of exhilaration and excessive confidence ü Increased energy & restlessness ü Behavior changes or aggression ü Rapid or rambling speech ü Delusions or hallucinations ü Irritability or changes in mood 15
Activity: Not Myself Today 1. Situation: one person read the situation aloud 2. Reflection: take 2 minutes to reflect on the situation 3. Discussion: discuss possible responses or solutions 4. Solutions: turn over the solution cards and read them to your group 16
How to Foster Inclusion 17
National Standard on Psychological Health & Safety • The first of its kind in the world • Launched in 2013 • A set of voluntary guidelines, tools and resources • Promotes mental health & prevention of psychological harm at work 18
Psychosocial Factors 1. Psychological Support 2. Organizational Culture 3. Clear Leadership & Expectations 4. Civility & Respect 5. Psychological Competencies & Requirements 6. Growth & Development 7. Recognition & Reward 8. Involvement & Influence 9. Workload Management 10. Engagement 11. Balance 12. Psychological Protection 13. Protection of Physical Safety 19
Wellness Programs ü Lunch & Learns ü Employee Perks ü Flexible Benefits ü Mindfulness Sessions ü Disability & Wellness Consultant x 2 ü Employee Resource Group ü Mental Health First Aid ü Employee Resource Group 20
Dialogues with Employees ü Employee intranet ü Yammer ü Team Meetings 21
Dialogues with Leaders ü Leadership Skills ü Awareness/ Empathy ü Coaching 22
Conversations Manager To Do List: ü When to Start ü How to Start ü Normalize the Topic ü Build Trust ü Empathize ü Know when to draw the line 23
Language Matters 24
What YOU Can Do Now ü Start a conversation ü Read an article ü Check your language ü Promote wellness ü Be curious ü Review the Standard ü Set an example 25
1 -833 -4566 26
Thank You! 27
- Slides: 27