Mental Health in the Workplace Employee Fundamentals 101©

Whether approaching your employer or co-workers about a mental health problem, or preparing for a return to work after disability leave, employees will find resources to make themselves, and their workplaces, more mentally healthy.

Recognizing the Problem

• What are you experiencing?
• Isn't stress just part of any job?

Talking to Your Employer

• How can I tell my employer that I’m ill? What should I say?

Rights & Responsibilities

• Do I have to tell my employer that I’m ill?
• What are the accommodation rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and unions?

Accommodations

• How can I have conversations that consider my own needs and the needs of another person?
  
• What kinds of accommodations can I ask for?

Talking to Co-Workers

• How can I explain my mental health problem to co-workers?

Prevention

• Are there coping/prevention strategies for mental illness in the workplace?
• How can the workplace contribute to or create mental health problems?

Managing the Culture in Your Workplace

• How can I understand my needs at work and what are some strategies to meet them?
  
• How can I handle gossip, rumours, and speculation?

Hiring

• What should I say at a job interview?

Managing Personal Issues

• How can I manage debt?
• I am unemployed.  Where can I find support?
• Are there mental-illness related income sources available?

Finding Supports

• Where can I find help?
• Employee  Assistance Programs: What is an EAP?
• How can Canadian Mental Health Association help me?