Work-life Wellness

8/11/2019 Work-life Wellness

1/5

AN INDEPENDENT SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET TO THE CALGARY HERALD

WORK-LIFE WELLNESS

worklifebalanceinfo.ca

The Better Workplace Conference 2014NOVEMBER 2426, 2014 THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, CALGARY AB

Delivering the leading thought and practice in individual and organizational wellness, and usingthese as a foundation for exploring the issues of change, culture, performance, and leadership.

Register Now Early-bird pricing is in effect! Enter priority code CHS1 and your name will beentered in a draw to win an iPad loaded with relevant Conference Board research!

Visit healthworkandwellness.com or call 1-844-520-8422 for more information.

MAJOR PARTNERS

Featuring

SEEK SUPPORTInquire about employee

assistance programs

REDUCE STRESSImprove your

nancial literacy

BOOST PRODUCTIVITY Ergonomics foryour workplace P H O

T O :

D A M

O N D A H L E N / T H E H U F F I N G T O N P O S T

REDEFINING SUCCESSPresident and Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post , Arianna Huffington, shares the importance of incorporating

physical and mental well-being into the workplace.

W e spend so muchof our time at work that ma-king workplaceshappy and heal-

thy environments, both psycholo-gically and physically, is imperative. Our work life has a massive ef-fect on our home life and vice versa.

As individuals, our identity islinked to our work; its integral to who we are and we get a lot of self re-

ward from working, explains Lou-ise Chnier,senior research associ-ate,Workplace Health and WellnessResearch, at the The ConferenceBoard of Canada.But work can al-so encroach on other parts of life.In2012,the typical Canadian employeespent 50.2 hours at work per week,and even then they would bring an-other seven hours of work home.

Shared responsibility Its the role of both the organiza-tion and the employee to take stepsto maximize workplace wellness.There are some practical techni-ques that individual employees canadopt to reduce their own stress levels at work.

When it comes to work de-mands, its really important to mapout your work day and to have ho-

nest expectations of what you canachieve and of whats just not fea-sible, says Chnier. Prioritizingand self-management is needed. If you have too much to do, go to theperson who manages your workand say that its not sustainable.

Support and understandingThere are a lot of practices that or-ganizations can put in place to helpstaff through diffi cult periods. Re-search shows that one of the ma-

jor stressors is balancing work andpersonal demands, so implemen-ting workplace wellness programsthat try to deal with these issues isessential for a company of any size.

Although theyre not alwayspossible, exible working arrang-ements giving employees so-me control of when and how theydo their work can help to easestressful situations, says Chnier.If its not possible to be exible with time, then maybe it could be apossibility of offering more exibi-lity with vacation.

It is important that manage-ment understands that the em-ployee is a whole person, and itsnot just what happens at workthat will affect their performance.Its imperative for management toknow that they have to be suppor-

tive, and to understand that if anemployee is going through a dif-cult time at home, it will affecttheir work.

Studies have found that mana-gers who are the front line supportsystem for employees are often noteven aware of what resources areavailable within the organization,Chnier says. Its important thatmanagers educate themselves to be able to offer help and support ina non-judgmental way.

Financial stresses can also have an impact on an employeesability to do their job. By offeringresources and education basedaround nancial literacy, organi-zations can help to minimize thepotential for employees gettinginto nancial stress.

Increased productivity Feeling healthy at work doesnt justincrease happiness levels and quali-ty of life,it also has a signicant im-pact on overall productivity. Recentresearch discovered a direct link between workplace wellness programsand a reduction in absenteeism.

For organizations, it makes good business sense to do whatever youcan to keep your workforce heal-thy, happy, and functioning to itsutmost potential. If you want to

keep your talent healthy and in the workplace, you need to implementa workplace wellness program thatincludes a physical aspect and apillar for mental health, Chniersays. An integrated workplace wellness program like this can ac-tually bring in a return on that investment of three to one.

As well as the economic bene-ts, workplace wellness programsalso show employees that organi-zations care about their wellbeing,

and that increases engagementand motivation. In the oil andgas industries, they use workplace wellness programs as a competitive advantage to attract talent to thecompany, so youre actually doing yourself a disservice by not havingprograms in place, Chnier says.

Stay active, stay healthy Our knowledge-based economydictates that most employees spenda lot of time inactive, sitting at acomputer.This isnt ideal and can,over time,lead to many health con-ditions.Employers need to be awa-re of this, says Chnier.Some orga-nizations have installed programson computers that tell the user toget up and walk around the buildingafter an hour of constant use.

Although true workplace well-

ness requires a joint effort betweenorganization and employee, it is,ultimately, the responsibility of theindividual feeling unwell to reachout for help. You need to take ac-countability for your own health,says Chnier. Employers offer a lotof resources but its down to the in-dividual to take that rst step, andthat applies to both physical andmental health.

Louise ChnierSENIOR RESEARCH

ASSOCIATE, WORKPLACEHEALTH AND WELLNESSRESEARCH,THE CONFERENCE BOARDOF CANADA

How to keep yourself and your workforce healthy

JOE ROSENGARTEN

[email protected]


2/5

2 WORKLIFEBALANCEINFO.CA

CHALLENGES

AN INDEPENDENT SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET TO CALGARY HERALD

WE ALL WORK HARD TOBE SUCCESSFUL

It is a distinct honour for meto promote policies and pro-grams that are positive, pre- ventative, and proac tive as we assist Albert ans to stayhappy, healthy, and out of the

hospital as much as possible. To-gether, we build wellness fromthe choices we make in our fami-lies, schools, communiti es, work-places, parks, and playgrounds.In doing so, we are increasing our

quality of life, while decreasinghealthcare costs and taxes.

Workplace wellnessSince we spend a great deal of time inour workplaces,its crucial that thesespaces promote physical and mental wellness. Ideally,our workplaces domore than simply promote safe andhealthy working environments. Ha- ving a job increases our wellness bygiving us a sense of identity andpurpose while learning new things,connecting with others, and foste-ring opportunities to grow as indivi-duals and as a society.

Promoting a safe workplace can be as simple as reorganizing a work-space, encouraging active living andhealthy eating,and supporting wor-kers to make decisions that improve their quality of life. Healthy andsafe workplaces have procedures inplace to ensure that staff is trainedto do their jobs safely,with the app-ropriate protective equipment.

Beyond physical concerns, it is vital to focus on the importance

of our psychological and mental wellness. Conside rations suchas how much control we haveover our work, the amount of sup-port we receive from our co-wor-kers or supervisors, the exibili-ty of our work schedule, and thepace of our work, all have impactson our wellness.

Learning about contributingfactorsLast year, our Government of Alber-ta launched one of the most com-prehensive wellness strategies inall of North America, Albertas Stra-

tegic Approach to Wellness: Healthfor All, Wellness for Life . This fram-ework goes far beyond simply en-couraging Albertans to get involved in healthy eating and active living it also sets the stage for theupcoming Lets Talk About Well-ness public engagement, which be-gins next month.

The Lets Talk about Wellnessengagement aims to broadenour collective understanding of

health and the factors that contri- bute to our personal and commu-nal wellness. I encourage all Alber-tans to get involved, as we considerhow to most strengthen our colla- boration in wellness, while broa-dening our opportunities to enjoya greater quality of life. Together, we can create a shared understan-ding of wellness, and assist all Al- bertans in recognizing the social,economic, and environmental fac-tors that affect it.

WORK-LIFE WELLNESSSECOND EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2014

Publisher: Sonja DraskovicBusiness Developer: Garrett ONeillManaging Director: Joshua NagelProduction Manager: Laura Shaw

Lead Designer: Matthew SenraDesigner: Scott Dixon

Contributors: William Akoto,Karen Hume, Ted Kritsonis,

Kevin MacLeod, Ishani Nath,Hon. Dave Rodney,Joe Rosengarten

Send all inquiries [email protected]

Distributed within:The Calgary Herald, September 2014

This section was created by Mediaplanetand did not involve the Calgary Herald or

its Editorial Departments.

Mediaplanets business is to create newcustomers for our advertisers by providingreaders with high-quality editorial contentthat motivates them to act.

HON. DAVE RODNEY, MPP ALBERTAS ASSOCIATEMINISTER OF WELLNESS

Advice from Canadas firstFinancial Literacy Leader,

Jane Rooney

Page 4

EDITORSPICK

Since we spenda great deal oftime in our work-places, its crucialthat these spacespromote physicaland mental wellness.

CALGARY.CMHA.CA FITTER1.COM HEALTHWORKAND MONEYADVISOR.CA MONEYMENTORS.CA SOLAREH.COM/EN VAGIFEM.COM WELLNESS.COM/THE-BETTER-WORKPLACE-CONFERENCE-2014

FOR MORE ON WORK LI FE WELLNESS FROMOUR PARTNERS

VISIT US ONLINE FOREXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

WORKLIFEBALANCEINFO.CA

MEDIAPLANETCA

HON. DAVE RODNEY, MPP

[email protected]

On the morning of April 6,2007, Arianna Huffingtonwas lying on the floor of herhome office, in a pool of herown blood. Exhausted andrunning on only a few hoursof sleep, the president ofThe Huffington Post had col-

lapsed, hitting her head onthe corner of her desk on theway down, cutting her eyeand breaking her cheekbone.

Following her fall, Huffi ngton en-dured a battery of tests includinga brain MRI, CAT scan, and echo-cardiogram to ensure that the-re was no underlying cause for hercollapse beyond exhaustion. Hertests came back clear, but in thedoctors waiting rooms, Huffi ng-ton found time to consider how she was living her life.

After my fall, I had to ask myself: was this what success looked like? Was this the life I wanted? I was working eighteen hours a day, seven days a week, trying to build a business, expand our coverage, and bring in investors. But my life, I rea-lized, was out of control, she says.

And for Huffi ngton recognizedas one of the worlds 100 Most In-uential People by Time magazine regaining control meant rede-ning the meaning of success.

In terms of the traditional me-asures of success, which focus onmoney and power, I was very suc-cessful. But I was not living a suc-cessful life by any sane denition

of success. I knew something hadto radically change, she says.

The Third MetricSuccess is typically measured by acombination of money and power, but according to Huffi ngton, to live the lives we truly want and de-serve, and not just the lives we sett-le for, we need a Third Metric.

This Third Metric, she ex-plains, consists of a combinationof well-being, wisdom, wonder, andgiving four pillars that add up toa new measure of success.

First, well-being: if we dontredene what success is, the pri-ce we pay in terms of our healthand well-being will continue to ri-se, as I found out in my own life,says Huffi ngton.

Rushing around from projectto project and milestone to mi-lestone can leave little time for your health. Regaining a balance between work and well-being al-so creates time for wonder, a pil-lar which Huffi ngton describes as,our sense of delight in the myste-ries of the universe, as well as theeveryday occurrences and smallmiracles that ll our lives.

While it is tempting to tweet,

post, and share those events andmiracles with our social networks,

Huffi ngton says unplugging oncein a while is smart. It has never been harder to tap into our inner wisdom, because in order to do so, we have to disconnect from all ouromnipresent devices our gad-gets, our screens, our social media,she says. Disconnecting from ourdevices helps us to truly connect with ourselves and others, and befully present in the moment.

After reconnecting and caringfor yourself, the nal step is to ex-tend compassion to others. If well- being, wisdom, and wonder are ourresponse to a personal wake-upcall, service naturally follows asthe response to the wake-up callfor humanity, says Huffi ngton.

Mindfulness and meditation While Huffi ngton is working onmaintaining a better balance between her work and her life, she ad-mits that is not always easy.

It can be very challenging, be-cause for far too long we have beenoperating under a collective delu-sion that burning out is the neces-sary price for achieving success.This couldnt be less true, shesays. Performance is actually im-proved when our life becomes mo-re balanced.

Now, Huffi ngton takes time formindfulness and meditation, twopractices that she says have helpedher navigate the ups and downs ofher life, even in the most chaotic ofcircumstances.

Dont just go out there and climbthe ladder of success, she advises.Instead, redene success.Becausethe world desperately needs it.

Arianna Huffi ngton reveals a newmeasure of success

ISHANI [email protected]

BE THE CHANGEPositively influence those around

you to re-invest in workplace well-being.

ARIANNA & HER DAUGHTERS Christina, left, and I sabella, right,shown here at a Huffington Post event.

THRIVE CONFERENCEEditor-in-Chief Arianna Huffingtonand Morning Joe co-host MikaBrzezinski discuss the ThirdMetric.PHOTOS: DAMON DAHLEN/ THE HUFFINGTON POST

It is time to reprioritize and realize that our success is very muchinfluenced by our personal well-being and our workplace environment.

Education isso importantand if yourenot gettingeducationat home, itsimportant to getthat educationthrough anancialprofessional.


3/5

WORKLIFEBALANCEINFO.CA 3

INSIGHT


Walk into an averageoffice in Canada, and itslikely that the chairs anddesks will match, port-raying a sense of uni-ty and conformity in theorganizations employ-ees. And yet, a more flex-ible ergonomic environ-ment may be the real keyto long-term workplacewellness.

While reports vary on the overallnumbers and residual impact, sta-tistics have shown that poor pos-ture and ill-suited furniture canlead directly to chronic health is-sues, ranging from carpal tunnelsyndrome to various muscle andjoint ailments.

Not one-size-fits-allLouis Stack, founder and president

of Fitter International, a rm thatdistributes products designed forimproved ergonomics and rehabi-litation, believes that its more im-portant to understand the needsof the individual than trying tosolve the problem with a one-size-ts-all solution.

You dont see uniformity in the body of a ve-foot and six-foot-four person, and yet were all tryingto t in an average desk height of29-inches, says Stack. You cannotadjust chairs in work environme-nts to accommodate all of them if you cant change the height of the work surface. Its not one problem,its just that we cant all adapt tothe same thing because were each built differently.

Stack cites the massive variab-les that depend on arm length,

leg length, and even the distance between knees and feet, as inu-

encers on how each person endsup sitting down and how their work environment works forthem. Taller individuals might tilttheir heads forward consistently, while shorter ones may sit at theedge of a chair, thereby forminggradual tightness in the shoulderand neck.

Inevitably, more people getinjured, unhappy and uncomfor-table, so the functionality and pro-ductivity of a business starts to di-minish, he says. At some point,companies realize they have tochange for their broken people, but do we really have to let every-one get broken before they allowthem to improve their own workenvironment?

Versatility and adaptability

Seemingly unconventional by ty-pical offi ce standards, Stack sug-

gests using products that fostermovement in isolated positions,like sitting, and adjustable desk-tops that allow employees to stand while working when they p referit. Chairs or seats that bounce, tiltor sway, including inatable exer-cise balls, are effective ways to sta- bilize and activate muscles andjoints, he adds.

Both Australia and Denmarkhave mandated stand-sit optionsin workplaces, and companies li-ke Google and WestJet have adop-ted these types of products for amore active work environment.

If you dont have a ball or somekind of dynamic cushion, or evenchanging your posture in yourchair by tipping the seat back orforward its those movementsthat keep your core engaged and

strong and your body awarenesssystem engaged, he says. Once

you start standing, you realize itsnot about standing, its about thejourney around good posture whi-le standing, and also movement while sitting.

Remembering that balance isthe essence of movement, andmovement is the essence of life iskey for a more comfortable timeat work and elsewhere. Ultimate-ly, the best advice Stack can givefor a happier and more comfor-table work life (and future), is toadopt the SAM approach: inclu-de stability activities in your dai-ly living to a have better agility atplay and enjoy greater mobility for life.

T raditionally,businesses knowhow to work out their ROI (re-turn on investment) by cal-culating the value in terms of sales

and outputs vs.cost of goods,servi-ces,and overheads.But a new realityis emerging for businesses that maychallenge that traditional model.

Confronted with the legal duty toprovide and maintain not only a phy-

sically safe environment,but also apsychologically safe workplace (asrecommended in the 2013 NationalStandard for Psychological Healthand Safety in the Workplace ), busi-nesses are now faced with the com-pelling reality that the cost of doingnothing puts them at substantialmoral,ethical,and nancial risk.

Workplaces are heavily impac-ted by mental heath issues, accor-ding to the 2011 report, BuildingMentally Healthy Workplaces:Perspectives of Canadian Workersand Front-line Managers . Forty-four percent of the employees sur- veyed reported they were eithercurrently (12 percent) or had pre- viously (32 percent) experienced apersonal mental health issue.

Paying the price

Studies show that if left unaddres-sed,the societal and economic costsof mental illness and injury in the workplace will be staggering:

Escalating health costs Es-timated at $51 billion to the Canadi-

an economy each year.Increasing injury and ill-

ness 78 percent of short-term dis-ability and 68 percent of long-termdisability claims are related to men-tal health issues, according to theConference Board of Canada 2011.

Rising absenteeism 500,000Canadians are absent from workeach day on average due to mentalhealth issues according to the Gov-ernment of Canada.

Growing jurisprudence andlegal ramifications Projected costsof $198 billion in the next 30 years.

More recent studies in businessand marketing contexts conrmthat these and other factors con-tinue to have strong inuenceson overall protability, productivity and sustainability.

There are many reasons to invest

in workplace mental health,but no-ne greater than the social impactthat it has on those who experiencemental health issues, along withtheir families, colleagues, commu-nities and social networks. This is

where businesses turn to SROI (soci-al return on investment) to calcula-te the impact for people and envi-ronments that would not otherwise be valued. In todays business envi-ronment,it is necessary to recogni-ze, monetarily, the specic detailsabout those social benets in or-der for them to be fully acknowled-ged. Investors seek evidence of theimpact (outcomes minus estimateof what would have happened any- way) before they commit to mentalhealth programs in the workplace.

So what distinguishes these in-dicators when companies evalua-te overall business objectives? SROItells your companys story wit-hout it, its not your whole story.Mental health issues present sig-nicant workplace challenges andcosts, not only for those who have

the mental health issue,but for those who work alongside someone whois struggling.And in a world whereshortages of critical skills are top ofthe list for many organizations,em-ployers cannot afford to do nothing.

Competitive advantageIf these mounting trends dont in-cent businesses to invest in work-place mental health, then perhapsthese recent ndings just may.Organizations that implementpsychologically healthy and safe workplace strategies are, on aver-age, better performers in all keycategories from health and safetyto key human resource measuresto shareholder returns (MHCC).These organizations are fast beco-ming leaders within their sector,in terms of knowledge sharing,industry and benchmark leader-ship, and best practices. The morean organization invests in its core values, behaviours and attitudes,the healthier, more productive,and faster it will realize a returnon its socially supportive invest-

ment. Mental health is, indeed,everyones business.

The value of a socially supportive workplace in nancial terms

DESIGNING THE JOB TO FIT THE WORKER

KAREN HUME

[email protected]

TED [email protected]

KAREN HUMEWORKPLACE WELLNESSCONSULTANT,CMHA-CALGARY REGION


4/5

WORKLIFEBALANCEINFO.CA 5

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE


Mediaplanet How can Cana-dians improve their financialknowledge?Kevin MacLeod There are many selfhelp nancial planning books availablethat consumers should read. There arealso night classes at community colle-ges or universities that offer basic nan-cial education. Whether you want to doit all yourself or just want to understandwhat others are saying to you regardingyour nancial options, its a good idea.

MP Debt is a major cause ofstress, what is your advice for

avoiding this trap?KM First you need to understand what isgood debt and what is bad debt. Gooddebt is debt like mortgages and studentloans, whereas bad debt is creditcard and consumer debt. Concentrateon the bad debt rst, and then takea reasonable, balanced approach to

eliminating the longer-term good debt. Abalanced approach would be to ensurethat you are also saving money for thefuture, in addition to reducing your debt.

MP When do you believe is a goodtime to take out a mortgage?KM Buying and selling homes and mo-ving is expensive, and the housing mar-ket is ever changing. However, being ahomeowner provides a strong founda-tion for building wealth in the future. Buya home when you have some stabilityin your work and location, which will al-low you to stay in your home regardless

of real estate values. If prices in your areadrop, you stay, and if values go up, yournet worth increases.

MP What are some of the bestresources for individuals whoare looking to increase their fi-nancial expertise?

KM First of all, if your parents or someo-ne close to you seems to be nanciallysuccessful, ask them who they are wor-king with to help them with their nan-ces. Chances are they have a qualiednancial advisor who holds a CFP de-signation. Ask those people to be refer-red to their CFPs and interview them tosee which one is the best t for you so-meone you can trust and who clearlyhas your best interests in mind.

MP When do you believe is theright time to start saving for reti-rement, and what are some of the

best strategies for saving?KM Start as soon as you have a sta-ble job. In the past the employer wouldtake money from your paycheque andput it into a pension plan. Now it is up toyou to start saving on your own, typical-ly, 10 percent of your take home incomeshould be saved for the long-term future.

Mediaplanet How can Cana-dians improve their financialknowledge?William Akoto The average Canadiancan improve their nancial knowledge bytaking advantage of many resources andtools offered by several organizationsthat promote nancial literacy. Many ofthese organizations also deliver onlinecourses, seminars, and speaking en-gagements related to personal nance.Just make sure it is free.

Be frugal with your money, make a bud-get, live within your means, avoid overduebills, save, especially for retirement.

MP What strategies do you recom-mend for Canadians that are at-tempting to pay down their credit-card debt?WA We mostly advise our clients to payoff the credit card with the highest inte-rest rate rst. Pay off a little over the mi-

nimum if possible. Pay on time and try tocall your credit card company to nego-tiate your interest rate (they are someti-mes exible)

MP Debt is a major cause ofstress, what is your advice foravoiding this trap?WA Get organized Have a clear pic-ture of where you currently standnancially.Set financial goals Focus on whatyou wish to accomplish within a specictime frame.Pay down your debt Stop using yourcredit card unless you know you can pay itoff fully before the end of the billing cycle.Create a budget A good budget hel-ps you stay in control of your money. Ifyou are unsure of where to start, beginby keeping track of all your incoming andoutgoing funds.Start saving Start saving for your irre-

gular expenses, such as an emergencyor retirement fund, as soon as you can.

MP When do you believe is theright time to start saving for reti-rement, and what are some of thebest strategies to save?WA Start now. The longer you wait tostart saving for retirement, the more dif-culty you will have reaching nancial in-dependence or security to retire comfor-tably. Basically, the longer you wait, thelonger you postpone the advantage ofcompounding your money.

Review your budget and put togethera nancial plan.

Start saving as early as you can. Consider tax-saving programs

such as TFSA and RRSP.

Achieve financial freedom: learn from Albertas experts

KEVIN MACLEOD,CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER,MONEY ADVISOR FINANCIAL LTD.

WILLIAM AKOTOMARKETING & COMMUNICATIONSMANAGER, MONEY MENTORS


5/5

6 WORKLIFEBALANCEINFO.CA

CHALLENGES


The World Health Organiza-tion announced in March ofthis year that the averagelifespan of a woman bornin Canada today is 84. Withwomen living longer, andretiring later in life, it is es-sential that they take carenot only of their physicalhealth, but also their men-tal well-being.

Growing old brings with it a num- ber of problems. With age, the bo-dy starts to inevitably deteriorate;many tasks that were easier to doin youth become diffi cult, if not im-possible. Sickness becomes morefrequent and joints start to creak,and so it is with mental health. As we age, our mental acuity diminis-hes and the possibility of mentalillness increases. While it is impos-

sible to prevent the progress of age-ing, it is possible to exercise care,particularly of ones mental health.

Employee health programs With more employers implemen-ting health programs in the work-place, women are increasingly en-couraged to pay close attention tothe warning signs of stress, worry,and over-exertion. Employers are beginning to see the benets ofimplementing such programs. Itis estimated by the Mental HealthCommission of Canada that $51 bil-lion is lost in the Canadian econo-my each year to mental illness.

By cutting down on the sources ofmental illness,employers not onlyhave happier employees, but moreproductive ones too.This is a pointthat Minister of Labour and the Sta-tus of Women,the Hon.Dr.K. Kel-lie Leitch,is keen to emphasize.As

Minister of Labour I have been ve-ry clear when discussing mentalhealth with employers and unions that having programs in placeto support workers psychological well-being is not only vital to theirhealth but that it also supports pro-ductivity.Now more than ever em-ployers are realizing the importan-ce of these programs.

Proactivity is key While Minister Leitch is pleased with the progress, she maintainsthat older women must remainproactive in taking care of theirmental health. I would encourageall women to talk to their employers.Many employers have in-house pro-grams that allow all workers, inclu-ding older women,to achieve a sound work-life balance. Workers shouldtalk to their supervisors, their HRadvisors, and colleagues to famili-arize themselves with what theircompanies already offer whetherthis is exible work hours...or spe-cial leave for caregivers.

Minister Leitch does not believethat employers should carry the bur-

den alone,and points to the Canadi-an governments development of theNational Standard for PsychologicalHealth and Safety in the Workplace,the rst of its kind in the world.Thisis a voluntary tool to guide organiza-tions to improve workplace psycho-logical health and safety,and can beused differently by businesses andorganizations depending on theirneeds, says Minister Leitch. TheNational Standard will make it easierfor Canadian employers,employees,and unions to take steps in the work-place to prevent mental duress,redu-ce psychological risk, and promotemental health.

The stigma around mental healthin Canada is nally starting to lift.Itis hoped that this trend continues,especially as more women talk fre-ely about their mental health, andseek help when necessary.

Start the conversation ask your doctor about Vagifem 10

You re going to wantto ta lk about it

10g 17-estradiol

Vagifem10.caVAG500E

Vagifem is a trademark ownedby Novo Nordisk FemCare AG andused by Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.,300-2680 Skymark AvenueMississauga, Ontario L4W 5L6

Tel: (905) 629-4222 or 1-800-465-4334

Women started the conversation about work-life wellness, faced with managing work and family matters. There has always been astruggle to nd a balance between professional and personal life.

DOUBLE-DUTY At every age group, employed women were morelikely than men to have more t han one job.

MOTHERHOOD Women are having fewer children overall andthey are having them at older ages.

UNPAID LABOUR While men reported spending, on average, 8.3hours/week on unpaid domestic work, women spent more than oneand a half times this amount (13.8 hours/week).

MENTAL HEALTH Among women aged 45 to 64 belonging to thelowest income quintile, only 55 percent described their mental healthas very good or excellent. By comparison, the proport ion was 81 per-cent for those in the highest income quintile.

LATER RETIREMENT The proportion of senior women holding apaid job has doubled in the past decade.

DEFYING AGE:THE IMPACT OFMENTAL HEALTH ON WOMEN

[email protected]

SOURCE: FINANCIAL CONSUMER

AGENCY OF CANADA

[email protected]

SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA

[email protected]

FAST FACTS

DE-STRESS AND RECONNECT WITH NATUREGardening not only improves physical health, but it supports mental well-being.

WORKING IN THE GOLDEN YEARSCanadians are putting off their retirement plans and working at least two yearslonger across all education levels.PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK.COM

FINANCES28 percent of post-secondarystudents say finances aretheir primary stressor

28 %

3 in 10

Work-life Wellness

Documents

Transcript of Work-life Wellness