Launched at the end of November, Mindful Employer Canada aims to highlight companies that are publicly committed to supporting mental health in the workplace. Any organization can sign it. Explanations.
A not-for-profit corporation, Mindful Employer Canada was set up by Mary Ann Baynton, a workplace mental health specialist. This initiative seeks to recognize the efforts made by businesses, managers and union representatives to support employees with mental problems. Mindful Employer Canada joins an international activity participated in by Australia and New Zealand which originated in the Mindful Employer program in Great Britain. Each country adapts the initiative based on its own needs and the realities of its labour market.
The Charter for Employers
The Charter for Mindful Employers comprises one component of the program. Signing on does not require any certification or particular qualification and it helps employers follow the National Standard of Canada with regards to workplace psychological health and safety in many ways. Signing the Charter may firstly amount to the written commitment required by senior management. In addition, by following the principles set out in the Charter employers commit themselves to promoting a healthy workplace and to displaying a positive attitude toward people with mental disorders. They also affirm that employees with mental disorders will not be subjected to any discrimination and benefit from arrangements that will let them properly carry out their professional duties. In addition, they promise to provide support to employees who are caring for a family member suffering from mental disorders.
The Charter can be signed online. The company can insert their logo and a link to their site on the Mindful Employer Canada website. Often overlooked, the participation of SMEs who hire employees with mental disorders can be emphasized in this way.
Become a conscientious manager
Mindful Manager is the other component of the program. Its goal is to support human resources employees, managers, workplace health professionals and any people supporting and assisting employees affected by a mental illness. According to Mary Ann Baynton, a “mindful” employer is one who is mindful of the importance a favourable workplace environment is to occupational health. In this way, a person suffering from depression or anxiety who benefits from support to remain productive will have more of a chance to recover than if they had stayed isolated at home.