Most working-age Canadians spend more time on the job than anywhere else, and it's no surprise that their well-being – or lack thereof – has a large and measurable impact on productivity. But while employees don't hesitate to talk about issues such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease, many are still uncomfortable to speak openly about mental health challenges.
What's more, stigma and shame often prevent people from seeking help for mental health concerns, says Jeff Moat, president of Partners for Mental Health, an organization aiming to shift workplace culture with a mental health initiative entitled Not Myself Today.
The name of the initiative was chosen with care, Moat explains. "Since mental health is often an uncomfortable subject, we had to create a theme that everyone can relate to. We all have these days when we're not feeling ourselves, so imagine how it is for people who experience something like this on a regular basis and with far greater magnitude."
Mary Ann Baynton, founder of Mindful Employer Canada and Mindful Manager, says mental health and mental illness exist along two distinct continuums. "Those with acute mental illness may be unable to work, while many who have been diagnosed with a mental illness are never disabled nor in need of accommodation," she explains.
Since mental health can range from languishing and being without energy or enjoyment, to flourishing and being highly resilient, it's important to recognize that everyone is somewhere on the mental health spectrum with potential variations from day to day, or even moment to moment, says Baynton.
Working in an environment that has access to tools and resources that support good mental health can help employees identify issues earlier for themselves and others. "And earlier, effective treatment can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of illness," she adds.
"Our mental health influences our work, and our work influences our mental health," Baynton says.
The mental well-being of employees has a big impact on an organization's productivity, yet stigma and shame often prevent people from bringing their concerns forward. SUPPLIED
A supportive workplace has engaged employees who feel valued and know how their work contributes to the organization's success, she says. "And when employees are struggling, they are confident that there are those who will help them remain a contributing member of the team and/or help them access resources for recovery."
Yet currently, only 23 per cent of employees report feeling comfortable talking to their employers about mental health problems, says Moat. "Many are fearful of the consequences – they are fearful of being stigmatized, being passed over for promotion or even fired."
Not Myself Today comes with information, hands-on activities and resources designed to reduce stigma, kick-start workplace conversations about mental health and engage employees in creating healthier and more inclusive workplaces. It has already reached hundreds of workplaces, from small to large organizations across various sectors. "And by recognizing leading practices of companies and businesses that have already seen the benefits, Not Myself Today builds organizational mental health capacity across Canada," says Moat.
"Research into the reasons companies participate in Not Myself Today has identified three main motivations: to obtain the tools and resources to engage employees around the subject, to signal to employees that mental health is important and to build mentally healthy workplaces," Moat adds.
Gold producer Goldcorp signed up for Not Myself Today last year, says Paul Farrow, Goldcorp's senior vice-president of people and safety. "We started the program in Canada and are convinced it is critical to improving the health and wellness of our employees. We are now looking to apply the tools and resources more broadly on a global scale."
Mining can be a tough field, says Farrow. "Miners work long hours and are often away from their families and support systems for an extended time. While there is good camaraderie among miners, being away from family and friends can have a significant impact on how you feel," he explains.
It's important for Goldcorp to acknowledge this, says Farrow. "As an employer, we want to send the message that we are taking the time and are interested not just in our employees' physical safety, but also in their mental well-being." He adds that mental health challenges don't only affect front-line workers.
Over 4,500 Goldcorp employees have participated in the program. A documented increase in the number of people coming forward to address mental health issues indicates the approach is working. "We've provided a safe channel of communication that allows for early intervention," Farrow explains. "The program is not only about reaching out to the individual but to know that for everyone who suffers, there are friends and families who are also affected.
"I know the benefits of the program from a personal perspective," says Farrow, adding that Not Myself Today increased his level of comfort regarding approaching the company when a family member struggled with a mental health challenge.
While Goldcorp is expanding the campaign across borders, Farrow also envisions its extension into Canadian homes. "The impact would be tremendous," he says.
Not Myself Today is getting people to challenge how they think about and behave toward mental illness, says Moat. "We don't talk about this openly enough. In fact, it's always regarded as someone else's problem when, in reality, it's all around us. Often, it's much closer than we realize.
"The program aims to build bridges and solidarity between those who don't have a mental health problem and those who do," Moat adds.
Visit www.notmyselftoday.ca for more information.
ABOUT
Partners for Mental Health
Partners for Mental Health is a national charitable organization dedicated to transforming the way we think about, act towards and support mental health and those living with a mental illness.
Partners for Mental Health aims to mobilize millions of Canadians to drive change by participating in campaigns, events and activities including influencing policy, volunteering and fundraising. In partnership with others, they empower Canadians to take action that will:
- Encourage people to pay more attention to their own mental health.
- Positively change attitudes and behaviours.
- Help change policies to improve the mental health system.
- Increase funding for programs and services.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.