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Q: How can I tell if someone is mentally ill?
A: As an employer, manager, or supervisor, it is not your job or your responsibility to diagnose a mental health problem. However, being aware of the signs that suggest someone might be experiencing a mental illness is important. Mental illness includes a broad range of symptoms and behaviours... [Read more]
Q: How can I approach an employee about their mental illness?
A: You may see behavior or performance signs that suggest an employee has a mental health problem. As an employer (or a manager or supervisor) you have a responsibility both to the individual and the organization to take action if you suspect that this is the case. You may be able to provide the employee with an opportunity to get the supports, professional help, and workplace accommodation they need so that they can continue working productively... [Read more]
Messages and Testimonials
Primarily we teach management skills in addressing the workplace impact of mental health issues experienced by employees. These issues can include anything from stress to mental illness and include the duty to accommodate and the ability to effectively manage performance. Our objective is holistic in that we strive to improve the work experience for the manager, the employee, the co-workers and where relevant, the union rep.
Q: What is a "reasonable accommodation"?
A: Accommodation is a way of helping your employees work more effectively by overcoming limitations caused by disabilities. Usually, accommodations are easy to implement, inexpensive (less than $500), and demonstrate a commitment to a healthier, more equitable workplace. [Read more]
Q: As a manager/supervisor, how can I support an employee's return to work after disability leave for a mental health problem?
A: Three fundamentals must be in place for an employee’s return to work to be successful:
- The work itself, and the employee’s presence in the workplace, should not pose a risk to the employee or co-workers.
- The employee must be able to perform the tasks of his or her job at a level where meaningful work is possible with appropriate accommodations.
- The workplace must be welcoming and free from harassment and other pressures that might delay recovery.
[Read more]
Q: One of my employees has a mental health problem. How can I explain the situation to other employees?
A: The co-workers of an employee with a mental illness may come to you with their concerns—maybe they’re nervous about working with someone they suspect or know has a mental illness. Or they may approach you during the return to work of an employee who has been on disability leave for a mental illness, complaining that accommodations for that employee are special treatment... [Read more]
Q: How can the workplace contribute to or create mental health problems?
A: A healthy workplace can contribute to the mental health of its employees. When good management practices are in place and employees are valued and respected, the workplace is unlikely to exacerbate, contribute to or create mental health problems. On the other hand... [Read more]
Q: How can I approach hiring to include people with disabilities, including those with mental health problems?
A: Show your commitment to increasing the diversity of your workforce by including a statement on each job posting that you welcome applications from persons with disabilities. Besides the channels you usually use for recruitment, distribute it to disability organizations or employment services that specialize in recruiting employees with disabilities... [Read more]
Guide to employee addiction
Q: When an employee has an addiction problem what's my role as their manager?
A: It is not to diagnose or counsel. In fact, it is unethical for someone in a relationship with power over another to engage in this type of help. [Read more]
Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace
The director of Mental Health Works also acts as the Program Director for the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. She has helped to compile a significant amount of useful and practical information for employers including tools and resources for:
- Creating a Healthier Workplace
- Return-to-Work
- Accommodations
- Making the Business Case
Many of the approaches and strategies used by Mental Health Works and other credible service providers or researchers can be found on this site. Please go to www.gwlcentreformentalhealth.com to check it out.
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