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Mental Health

Pre-pandemic, Mental Health was already one of the fastest growing concerns world-wide. In Canada, poor mental health was the number one cause of disability at work. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses cost Canadian business more than $50 billion dollars per year in lost productivity, benefit costs, disability leaves and absenteeism. And this was pre-pandemic. The impact of the prolonged stress and uncertainty on the mental health of Canadians remains to be determined post-pandemic.

McGill actively supports the mental health and wellbeing of employees through its comprehensive Mental Health Strategy. Mental Health in the Workplace is everyone’s business and a shared responsibility. Through numerous My Healthy Workplace initiatives, McGill provides guidelines, practices and tools that support a respectful, inclusive and healthy workplace for all employees - including those dealing with mental health problems.

Across our programs and a la carte training, we encourage staff to take responsibility for their mental health and wellbeing, and to contribute to a psychologically safe work environment where all employees can belong and thrive. Those who qualify are encouraged to seek the confidential support of McGill’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Managers and employees are encouraged to adopt healthy strategies for managing stress and maintaining good mental health – both individually and as a team. In addition to central learning opportunities, units and faculties can engage their teams in discussion about Mental Health & Wellbeing, using a series of free, user-friendly tools.

McGill provides Mental Health sensitization and training (currently online) for all levels of administrative and support staff, introducing relatable models like Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Mental Health Continuum:

  1. Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate Program (TELUS Health) - For Senior Managers and Leaders

The first of its kind in Canada, this highly-reputed program was developed in partnership with the Bell Canada Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair and Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University. The practical framework and leadership skills introduced in the program align with evidence-based and industry best practices, including the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. This certificate showcases organizational leadership and commitment to a mentally healthy workplace, through best practices and innovative solutions. Over the course of three modules, participants explore the ever-expanding business case for mental health in the workplace, including an improved understanding of relevant legal, ethical, and business concerns. This certification program also supports the development of empathetic and solution-focused leadership skills, which can be transferred to a variety of professional settings and situations.

  1. The Working Mind - For all Administrative and Support Staff

The Working Mind (TWM), in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, is designed to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace. By reducing stigma and discrimination, TWM helps organizations create a culture that fosters greater awareness and support for mental health. On completing the session, employees will be able to better:

  • understand mental health and mental illness
  • recognize its signs and indicators, in themselves and others
  • reduce stigma and negative attitudes toward people with mental health problems
  • support colleagues with mental health problems
  • maintain their own mental health and improve their resilience
  1. Mental Health First Aid Certification (HR & Other Helping Professionals)

Mental health issues will affect one in three Canadians at some point in their life; chances are there are people around you who need help. This two-day Mental Health “First Aid” course teaches participants skills needed to help someone who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. This course does not train you to be a therapist, counselor or mental health professional, but instead teaches you how to apply the needed “first aid” until professional help is received or until the crisis is resolved. The course covers the following topics:

  • What is meant by mental health and mental illness problems
  • Signs and symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations
  • A basic model to provide mental health aid
  • Information about effective interventions and treatments
  • How to access professional help
Managing Stress

The Managing Stress workshop is offered by Organizational Development to administrative support and staff. In this workshop:

  • Understand the differences between stress, anxiety, and burn-out;
  • Learn about the physiological and psychological reactions we experience during stressful times;
  • Identify individual and organizational variables that could impact our stress levels; and
  • Learn techniques and strategies to deal with stress

13 Psychosocial Factors: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has prepared short videos explaining the 13 Psychosocial Factors in the Workplace that contribute to a Healthy Workplace where Mental Health is supported. Videos are clear, simple, relevant and engaging for teams at all levels. Free discussion guides can also be downloaded to ease the conversation. See the list below and click for their respective video:

The 13 factors of psychological health and safety (PH&S) in the workplace are:

Learn more about Psychological Safety and how it actively supports mental health in the workplace.

LinkedIn Learning

Available through Single Sign On with your McGill credentials (email/password)

 

 

HR's Health & Wellbeing Resources on Mental Health

HR's Health & Wellbeing Team has compiled a list of resources to support you and your teams' mental health.

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