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Evolution of Canadian Workplace Mental Health Strategies over the Last Ten Years

Dr. Joti Samra, R. PsychOrganizational, Research & Media Consultant

www.drjotisamra.com | info@drjotisamra.com

Copyright © 2017 Dr. Joti Samra

Project Supporters:

Copyright © 2017 Dr. Joti Samra

Dylan Davidson, B.A.A. (Hons.)Lead Research Associate

Marissa Bowsfield, B.A. (Hons.)Research Associate

Dr. Mark AttridgeAdvisory Committee Member/Consultant

Dr. Graham LoweAdvisory Committee Member/Consultant

Dr. Martin ShainAdvisory Committee Member/Consultant

Copyright © 2017 Dr. Joti Samra

Research Methodologies

• Collected opinions about workplace mental health strategies & initiatives

National Survey

• Interviews with experts about the evolution of workplace mental health

Key Informant Interviews

• Outstanding improvements needed that were identified in past reportsGap Analysis

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National Survey

• Collected data from N = 2,148 participants.

• Participants asked about experiences/beliefs/role in workplace mental health, as well as initiatives in place at their organization.

• Collectively, an informed group - high self-rated expertise, high human resources experience, etc.

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Key Informant Interviews

• Interviewed N = 87 Key informants.

• Key informants: Experts knowledge of workplace mental health. Researchers, business experts, industry/agency experts, etc.

• Informed on milestones, influential initiatives/agencies, and ongoing gaps/goals related to workplace mental health.

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Gap Analysis• Extracted unaddressed gaps related to workplace mental health

from previous reports.

• Determined and assigned a progress rating towards these gaps.

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Canadian Workplace Mental Health: Milestone Snapshot

Launch of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Mental Health and Addiction

1998

2006Out of the Shadows at Last:TransformingMental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada

2004Quebec amends its Act Respecting Labour Standards to include a workplace bullying deterrent

2007The Mental Health Commission of Canada isestablished

2007The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is established

2005Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

The Senate

Le Sénat

CANADA

OUT OF THE SHADOWS ATLAST

Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada

Final Report ofThe Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and

Technology

The Honourable Michael J.L.Kirby, ChairThe Honourable Wilbert Joseph Keon, Deputy Chair

May 2006

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Canadian Workplace Mental Health: Milestone Snapshot

Launch of Prevention, Promotion and Organizational Practices Contributing to Health in the Workplace

2008

2013Launch of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health andSafety in the Workplace

2014Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2011

2016The Workers Compensation Amendment Act

2009Release of Stress at Work, Mental Injury and the Law in Canada:

2009Launch of Guarding Minds @ Work: A Workplace Guide to Psychological Health and Safety

Stress at Work, Mental Injury

and the Law inCanada:

A Discussion Paper for the Mental Health Commission ofCanada

Respectfully submitted by Martin Shain,

S.J.D. with theassistance of Carla

Nassar, LL.B.

August 15th 2008[Revised February21st 2009]

Final [amended] Report

Submitted to the Mental Health Commission of Canadavia the Advisory Committee on Mental Health in the

Workforce and the Advisory Committee on Mental Healthand the Law

CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ9700-803/2013NationalStandardofCanada

Psychological health and safety in the workplace — Prevention, promotion, andguidance to stagedimplementation

DisponibleenfrançaisSanté et sécuritépsychologiquesen milieu de travail —Prévention, promoti on etli gnes directrices pour une mi se en œuvre par étapes

C om m issione d by t heM e nt a l H e a lt h C om m ission ofC a na da

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Evolution Theme Areas

Legal & Standards Business

Education &

TrainingMedia Research Sector

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The Evolving Legal & Standards Landscape

• Release of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

National Standard

• Legislation enacted – increased workers’ compensation, prevention of bullying/harassment & PTSD

Legislation

• Canadian Standards Association –submitted proposal for international standard on psych health & safety

International Leadership

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BNQ/CSA National Standard (January 2013)

One that promotes employees’ psychological well-being and allows no harm to employee mental health in negligent, reckless or intentional ways.

PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY & SAFE WORKPLACE:

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Response to the Standard

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Response to the Standard

Response to the Standard

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Legislative Developments: Workers’ Compensation & Safety

Gaps in the Legal & Standards Landscape

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Copyright © 2017 Dr. Joti Samra

The Evolving Business Landscape

• Awareness, understanding, and value regarding workplace psychological health and safety

Attitudinal Shifts

• Organizations developing & providing mental health resources & supports for employees, leaders, etc.

Behavioural Shifts

• Awards that recognize and incentivize employers regarding workplace psychological health and safety

Employer Awards

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Workplace Attitudes & Culture

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Workplace Attitudes & Culture

Workplace Attitudes & Culture

Business Practices & Management

Awards & Recognition for Workplace Mental Health

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Gaps in the Business Landscape

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Copyright © 2017 Dr. Joti Samra

The Evolving Education & Training Landscape

• Online workplace mental health resources – free & evidence-based

Online Resources

• New psychological health & safety educational opportunities – university certificates, workshops, etc.

Formal Education

• Education in psychological health & safety incorporated into industry trade shows, conferences, etc.

Influence / Reach

Online Workplace Mental Health Resources

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Professional Education & Training

• 73.3% of respondents reported that availability of educational and training programs for employees are better now since 2007.

• Education in psychological health and safety is being incorporated into conferences across various industries.

• University certificates/training – University of Fredericton, Queen’s University, York University.

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Gaps in the Education & Training Landscape

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The Evolving Media Landscape

• Reductions in stigma towards mental health issues, shifts in media focus

Societal Attitudes

• Influential individuals advocating & speaking publicly about mental health issues

Celebrity Stories

• Wide range of mediums – increased mental health awareness through social media, blogs, etc.

Influence / Reach

Influential Initiatives & Campaigns

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National Survey: Media Attitudes

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Gaps in the Media Landscape

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The Evolving Research Landscape

• Research literature – organizational & work environment factors that impact worker mental health

Literature Focus

• Scientific community - valuing research initiatives with strong business collaboration

Research Initiatives

• Mental health interventions being developed in technologically diverse ways – deliverable in work settings

Interventions Research

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Copyright © 2017 Dr. Joti Samra

Evolution by Sector

• Recognition that psychological health and safety issues can impact all sectors and industries

Recognition

• Select industries advocating increased awareness that worker mental health is impacted by specific job factors

Industry Leaders

• Sector-tailored approaches to workplace mental health (e.g., a tailored standard for paramedics)

Tailored Approaches

Sectors with Notable Developments

Paramedics

Armed Forces

Federal Public Service

HigherEducation

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Gaps to be Addressed in the Next 10 Years

• Workplace stigma, lack of psychological health and safety culture, focus on physical safety

Cultural

• Minimal training/education for leaders, lack of awareness, lack of emotional intelligence

Leadership

• Lack of research/dissemination of research, poor accommodation & return-to-work, ineffective EFAP

Resource

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Outlook for the Next 10 Years