Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace 

Free webinar for a time limited offer (June 2010)

This two-hour presentation will provide practical strategies to help you identify and address mental health issues, plus resources for effective performance management.

This public service is generously supported by Great West Life's Center for Mental Health and endorsed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada

Go to webinar

Working Through It
Stories of reclaiming well-being at work, off work and returning to work

This series of videos is designed to speak directly to people struggling with mental health issues. Real people share their experiences of working through times of mental health pressures at work, off work and returning to work.

[read more]

Employers are often asked to be all things to their employees and many times struggle with what to do or knowing what is appropriate. 

In this section you will find the help you have been searching for.

Find answers to...

• How can I approach an employee about their mental illness?

• What are the accommodation rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and unions?

• What kinds of accommodations are people with mental health issues likely to need?

[read more]

Q: Do I have to tell my employer that I'm ill?
A: If you are able to come to work, in most cases you do not have to tell your employer that you are ill. However, if you have a mental health problem that could affect your ability to do your job, you will need to consider the benefits and risks of disclosure. [read more]

Q: What kinds of accommodations can I ask for?
A: There is no list of reasonable accommodations that you must choose from; the process of finding an accommodation should be based on your needs and your employer's resources. If you are working for a small company with only three employees, your employer may not be able to provide the same type of accommodation as a large employer. [read more]

Q: Should I seek legal retribution?

A: Read what one of our readers wrote in to us

"When depression and work come into conflict, there are no rules governing the behaviour of the parties involved. But how an organization responds in such cases is paramount in the recovery of an individual suffering from depression. You would like to think that basic values such as understanding, compassion and human decency would prevail. Unfortunately, this is too often not the case and the exorbitant cost and toll of what results is often hidden from the public eye." [read more]

Mental Health Works has certified trainers available to deliver workshops and training to your organization. 

To find out more about events in your area or to discuss workshops for your management team [click here]

"As a peer, I use my story to help others who are experiencing mental health problems in the workplace..." - Mandi Luis

I wish I knew...

• I was at risk for depression
• I was ill, not weak
• Information about treatment
• Depression would impact every area of my life
• I needed help earlier
• I was not the only one that had experienced this
• I needed to be valued at work
• It was okay to ask for my manager's help
• People at my workplace needed to listen
• I needed ongoing support at work
• I needed my benefits to cover more then six sessions of therapy
• I needed organizational support during the discussions with my subordinates, colleagues and supervisors about my recovery
• I needed to return to work gradually using a process of accommodation to help me
• I needed information, support and adequate time to consider options
• That it can take a long time to recover from depression

What I wish I knew: A snapshot of my experience with mental illness at work   [Read more]