Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person understands his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. A mentally healthy workplace is a high-functioning, respectful and productive environment.
When stress is introduced into the home life or the workplace it can affect a persons mental health which can be reflected in the workplace.
Below are some quick facts about psychological health and the workplace provided by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, as well as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
1 in 5 Canadians experience a psychological health problem or illness in any given year.
Psychological health problems and illnesses are the number one cause of disability in Canada.
Psychological health problems cost the Canadian economy ~$51 billion per year, $20 billion of which results from work-related causes.
47% of working Canadians consider their work to be the most stressful part of daily life.
Psychological health problems affect mid-career workers the most, lowering the productivity of the Canadian workforce.
Only 23% of Canadian workers would feel comfortable talking to their employer about a psychological health issue.
For the workplace these time losses and unproductive time cost the business in profits and can affect workplace efficiency.
Psychological Health
A state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organization)
The capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections, and personal dignity. (Public Health Agency of Canada)
For more information on how create a good psychological healthy workplace. Follow this link. You can also download the following PDF that you can print and read.
Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association is offering The Working Mind program. A program to reduce stigma, increase resiliency, and promote workplace mental health and wellness. Please contact us to continue the discussion on mental health in your workplace.