Class 22 - Stress and Mental Wellness at Work

Question 1

Define Mental Health

Answer 1

“Is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community

Question 2

define Mental Disorder

Answer 2

Recognized, medically diagnosable disorders that result in the significant impairment of an individual’s cognitive, affective, or relational abilities.
> Result from biological, developmental and/or psychosocial factors
> Can be managed using approaches comparable to those applied to physical disease (I.e. prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation)
> May be chronic or episodal in nature

Question 3

Impact of Mental Unwellness in Workplace

Answer 3

For individuals

For co-workers

For organizations

Question 4

Employer Obligations related to mental health concerns

Answer 4

1. Human Rights protections
2. OHS laws
3. WSIA
4. Arbitral jurisprudence
5. Duty to Inquire

Question 5

Interpreting WSIA

Answer 5

Stressor must:

1. Be WORK-RELATED
2. Be EXCESSIVE in comparison to normal pressures/tensions experienced by workers in similar circumstances
3. Having SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED to chronic mental stress

Traumatic and chronic mental stress are different

Eligibility for benefits requires diagnosis by designated professional (DSM5)
May include high-stress jobs

Includes bullying and harassmet

Does not include interpersonal conflicts

Does not include management decisions

Question 6

Business Case for Mental Wellness

“Employers Operate More Profitably when they Realize that Caring Reduces Losses”

Answer 6

1. employee engagement, morale, commitment
2. operational successes
3. Moral duty
4. Productivity, performance, profit
5. Recruitment and retention
6. Conflict reduction
7. Reduces costs
8. Legal compliance

Question 7

CBoC Hallmarks of Good Practice

“Make Employees Stronger By Leading Change”

Answer 7

• mental health policy
• employee assistance programs
• supportive programs and options (i.e. flexible schedules)
• benefits
• leave options
• comprehensive mental health strategy

Question 8

Rona Maynard: Chatelaine Magazine on Role of the Manager

Answer 8

Recognize signs of mental illness

Have conversation w/ ill employee

What ill employee needs to hear

Return to work strategies

Return to work discussion and support