Creating Safe Mental Health Workplaces

By Chris Hylton, MA, CG Hylton & Associates Inc.

Introduction

Chris Hylton MA, Principal of CG Hylton & Associates Over 20 years of experience Human Resource Consultant

Benefits – individual and Group Insurance – individual and GroupWorkshopsEAP

Agenda

What is mental health? Types of mental health

Addictions Mental health issues

Solutions for a healthy mental health workplace EAP Physical solutions Workplace solutions Managerial and Supervisor support

What is Mental Health?

World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”

What is Mental Health?

People learning and be able to cope with:

Stress Changes in life and the workplace Demands in the workplace Home life Work life

Types of Mental Health: What Can Cause Stress

Unbalanced work and home life

Physical Illness – disease or illness

Mental Health – anxiety, depression, anger, etc

Problems with coping with issues

Types of mental health : Addictions

Definition: being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming

Examples: alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, eating, etc

Types of mental health : Mental Wellbeing

It is important to find the balance in life: family, work, school, and any other side projects or important aspects of your life

Canadian workers spend about 60% of their waking hours at work

Types of mental health : Mental Wellbeing

“Research shows that most employees believe the

workplace is an appropriate and effective place to promote health and well-being issues.”

Solution: Prevention!

Planned action to stop the development of addictive behaviours, and promote health enhancing behaviours

Physical Solutions

Prevent physical illnesses by offering employees time to stretch, walk, exercise, etc

For example: offer gym memberships

If one person is sick in the office, send them home! One person sick is better than everyone being sick.

Workplace Solutions

Make the work place a positive place! Celebrate birthdays Celebrate holidays Team building exercises: staff day at the

movies, staff day in the park, etc

Sit fighting co-workers down and help solve the issues between them

Have a zero tolerance policy

Companies can provide programs

EAP – Employee Assistant Program

A program that offers: short-term, professional counselling and

referral services support in dealing with a wide range of

stressful situations (personal/work related) assistance and advise

Services are free and confidential

Management Support

Greet your staff

Have an open door policy

Listen to your staff and make sure they’re happy where they are

Thank You!

Questions?