Features Collaboration Practice
Manulife, Excellence Canada team up to promote workplace mental health

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, more than 6.7
million people in Canada are living with a mental health problem or
illness today. There is strong evidence that improved management of
mental health in the workplace, including prevention and early action to
combat stress and identify problems can significantly decrease
productivity losses.

“By creating further awareness about tools
and resources that are easily accessible, Canadians will have the
ability to adequately deal with mental health issues within the
workplace,” said Kathy McIlwham, vice-president, Group Life and
Disability at Manulife. “In addition to sponsoring this program we are
proud to be participating in the program as well, helping Manulife to be
a healthier workplace for our employees.”

This sponsorship is
another example of Manulife’s strong commitment to mental health as part
of a comprehensive health, wellness and disability strategy that covers
the entire health continuum. Manulife recently announced the creation
of an industry first Mental Health Specialist Team to help plan members
receive the help needed. Manulife’s commitment to positive mental health
has been recognized by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC),
who recently accepted Manulife into a three-year pilot as an early
adopter of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and
Safety in the Workplace – Prevention, Promotion and Guidance to Staged
Implementation.

“Considering all the effort and investment that
goes into providing employees with the most up-to-date tools, training,
software and technology, it makes absolute sense for employers to invest
in protecting and improving the most valuable asset that will make a
difference to the business – employees’ healthy minds,” said Allan
Ebedes, president and CEO of Excellence Canada.

“We are seeking
out and celebrating role-model organizations that are acting upon the
research and scientific evidence about Mental Health at Work, not only
to improve their own organizational results but also to improve the
quality of life of employees and their families.”

For over 20
years, Excellence Canada has been helping organizations achieve the
highest levels of workplace health: first, by establishing frameworks
and standards of role-model performance; second, by promoting and
raising awareness; and third, by training and coaching people to embrace
and attain a culture of health and wellness. Through its independent
verification processes and awards programs, Excellence Canada certifies
and celebrates organizations that have achieved sustainable and
continual improvement, supported by measurable outcomes.

Excellence
Canada’s Mental Health at Work requirements are based on research into
the critical aspects of an employee’s psychological well-being in the
workplace and the actual experiences and outcomes of successful
organizations. Addressing five key drivers of a psychologically safe and
healthy workplace, the requirements were developed in association with
mental health and work-safety professionals from across Canada, and the
requirements are aligned with the National Standard of Canada for
Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

The practical
guide for implementing the progressive Mental Health at Work
requirements uses a proven methodology to enable organizations to
achieve exemplary mental health programs and become national role models
for psychologically healthy and safe workplaces.