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The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is proud to provide you with a diversity of ideas and strategies from a variety of sources. This information comes from researchers as well as from promising practices that have come to our attention. While the views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily the views and opinions of Great-West Life, they are presented to help you turn knowledge into action by providing quick and easy access to resources that may help to enhance mental health in your workplace.

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Featured Content

Addressing Workplace Violence
Research shows that people with mental illnesses are no more likely to be violent than the general population.
(See Canadian Mental Health Association website)

In fact, people with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of violence-a policy against violence in the workplace can help protect people who are vulnerable because of mental health issues.

The best predictor of violent or aggressive behaviour is previous violent or aggressive behaviour. It is important that there is an immediate and effective response at the first sign of violence or aggression in the workplace.

Violent or aggressive behaviour should never be tolerated in the workplace. If you suspect that the violent or aggressive behaviour is related to a mental health issue, you may want to consult with your legal advisor before engaging in disciplinary action to ensure you are in compliance with the Human Rights Act. See Legal Framework for more information. MORE

Did you know?

Mental Health Works created a customized workshop, Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace for small and medium-sized business owners across Canada. See this free “Webinar” presented by Mary Ann Baynton, available for a limited time only. MORE

When an employee commits suicide, there are often overwhelming feelings of guilt and grief. Providing your employees with education and awareness about suicide cannot guarantee the elimination of such tragic events, but it can provide people with enough information to recognize that they did the best they could under the circumstances. MORE

Supervisors at all levels must be trained about the importance of looking at substance abuse as a health, safety, performance and productivity issue-not a drug, alcohol, gambling or other problem. Employers must never attempt to diagnose or treat an employee's potential addiction. Instead, they must recognize the signs and respond effectively. MORE

Night shift workers may experience depression as a result of sleep deprivation. MORE