Supporting an employee’s return to work

When you talk to an employee about their return to work, you don’t need to know about their diagnosis or details of their treatment (although they may volunteer that information). What you do need to know is what reasonable accommodations your employee will need to get back on the job, the pace at which they’ll be able to reintegrate into the workplace, and if their work will be affected.

What is a “reasonable accommodation”?

The law does set limits on the obligation of an employer to accommodate an employee. In Canada, the limits are described as either “reasonable” accommodation or accommodation to the point of “undue hardship,” depending on the legislative requirements. In reality, there is very little difference between those two concepts.

Where can I find help for an employee?

Many organizations have employee assistance programs (EAPs) or access to EAP services. Through these programs employees can receive short-term counseling and employers to recommend accommodations that enable employees to continue working productively.

The Health Case

Regardless of the kind of work you do or where you are on the organizational food chain, the toughest part of your job is likely not the work itself. Chances are your greatest challenge is keeping yourself emotionally healthy and maintaining a balanced attitude towards others around you.

Isn’t stress just part of any job?

Stress is a normal part of any life, and how people react to various stressors is highly individual. But excessive negative stress (or distress) can contribute to or even cause serious health problems for employees.

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

Society still harbours stereotypes about people with mental illnesses, and harassment. If you do decide to disclose your condition to your employer, you should make sure that they will not disclose the information to anyone else, including co-workers.

External Employee Resources

Mental Health Works is excited to offer a free online Emotional Wellness Self-Assessment in conjunction with Entec Corporation. Employers and Employees can now measure their own emotional well-being with this brief 4-5 minute online survey.

I have decided to tell my employer that I'm ill

As an employee you have a responsibility to be a productive worker. When you are experiencing a mental disability, you may also have the right to accommodation under certain circumstances.

Dealing with Transitions

Gain insight into the struggles employees may be experiencing, and learn strategies for planning psychologically healthy and safe transitions.

Flourishing in the workplace

This workshop provides an awareness of mental health and its impact on workplace culture. We discuss common issues and explore the impact of stigmatizing language and beliefs on mental health in the workplace and how to respond and help.

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on this website.

Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.