Leadership Imperative in Advancing Workplace Mental Health

Originally published on the QWQHC Blog, June 28, 2010

With the G8/20 hosted in my hometown Toronto this past weekend, I thought it timely to talk about leadership in the healthcare industry. Not unlike running a country, some industries like health care can be very complex and hold many diverse opinions on best approaches to management of the issues. We hear in the news about the shortage of doctors and other health care providers, the exodus of workers from the field and of course patient safety.

There are real issues to be dealt with on several fronts. It will take all levels of the healthcare industry working together to impact change for many issues faced by today’s Canadian healthcare industry; yet none more so then when tackling mental health in the workplace. There must be buy in from both the front lines and the executive offices. There are examples of some great initiatives being taken by local area healthcare institutions. Yet I often wonder why more is not being done at the leadership level within all industries, especially the healthcare industry.

With so much emphasis on fiscal responsibility, retention issues and patient safety; it seems to me that a clear leadership win is to look closely at ways to manage mental health in the workplace. The business case is compelling and the potential benefits are much greater than just cost savings; they can be life saving! Both patients and employees struggle needlessly at the hands of an industry, which sole purpose is to promote, prevent and respond to health issues. Why is there not more leadership driven action on the issues related to workplace mental health? It’s a question I and many others I’m sure are asking.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has launched a website devoted to raise awareness at the leadership level about the issues. I encourage you, to have a look, to pass it along to your leaders or if you are a leader to take a close look and to reach out to the mental health community for support if you need help addressing the complex issues of workplace mental health. At the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), through the Mental Health Works program leaders can access knowledgeable consultants to help assist in developing strategic policy and plans. It is critical that leaders take policy and strategic directions and develop ACTION PLANS to bring to life the good intentions of the policy.

Like our leaders at the G8/20 did this weekend, they laid out a strategic direction with target goals. It’s after the meetings that the plans and actions will be developed to meet those goals. They may not achieve all their goals, but I can assure you I know I feel better knowing the world leaders are working towards improvements. I know many would also be encourage if our healthcare leaders had clear strategies and plans in place to improve mental health in the workplace. Signing the QWQHC charter is a great starting place. But then the plans must be created and implemented!

These views are viewpoints to help engage conversation put forward by the author and not the expressed views of CMHA.