Stepping into the crisp days of fall in October 2024, let’s turn the focus this year on marking World Mental Health Day designated October 10, 2024 (WHO, 2024). World Mental Health Day campaign is “Mental Health at Work.” All employees have a right to a supportive work environment that prevents risks to mental health and fosters positive mental health. Just as we all have physical health with all live with mental health.

Why do we care about this?

Over a lifetime, on average, individuals will spend 85,000 hours at work.

21.2% of employed Canadians reported high levels of work stress.

62% of Canadian employees say work is their main source of stress.

62% of Manitoban teachers reported experiencing burnout in 2020-20% higher than the national average.

Workers who feel recognized at work report lower burnout, improved emotions and stronger relationships.

Connections at work improve retention and a sense of belonging.

Individuals tend to be more engaged and productive at work when their mental health is thriving.

Psychological safety at work means creating an environment where people:

• Are trusted and feel safe
• Can be honest with managers and colleagues
• Can speak up when they need to
• Have the freedom and security to try new things and make mistakes
• Feel safe enough to be creative and take risks

Psychological safety works to create an environment where employees can be themselves, to perform to the best abilities without risk to their mental well being or another’s wellbeing.

Did you know?

The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2013) highlights 13 factors that enhance psychological safety in the workplace. The Standard is a set of tools and resources intended for workplaces to engage in promoting factors that improve mental health in the workplace and preventing psychological harm at work.

How can we invest in psychologically safe workplaces, mental health and well being at work?

Join Care for All in Education in developing tools to strengthen and build psychologically safe work environments. CFAE invites employees to explore the Psychological Safe Work: Mobilizing Conversations. This guided tool provides a workplace with short mini lessons focused on exploring mental health at work:

1. How does work influence our mental health?
2. When to reach out for help and what support is available.
3. The importance of social connected-ness at work
4. Why and how to create a culture of recognition

What can I do?

• Taking care of your own mental health such as taking breaks, deep breathing, or exercise.
• Reach out for support when needing help or stressed.
• Cultivate a culture of recognition and value in the workplace by showing support and recognition with others
• Increase connection and belonging with others by checking in and making time

Sources and Resources:

World Health Organization. (2024). https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

National Standard. Mental Health Commission of Canada (2021). https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/national-standard/

Care for All in Education (2024). https://careforallineducation.com

World Federation for Mental Health. (2024). https://wmhdofficial.com