Creating Safe Mental Health Workplaces By Chris Hylton, MA, CG Hylton & Associates Inc.
Oct 21, 2014
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?