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Healthy Minds
The Healthy Minds program is based on the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. It has identified a number of factors that promote mental health and prevent psychological harm. At Western, we recognize the importance of creating a safe environment that enhances the overall well-being of our community. This program was created to address the psychological and mental health of employees. The program provides access to education, resources as well as strategies for employers, leaders and employees for the implementation play role in the psychological health and safety of the workplace.
What is Psychological Health & Safety?
Psychological health affects our ability to think, feel and behave in a manner that enables us to perform effectively at work, in our personal lives and in society. Psychological safety deals with the risk of injury to psychological well-being. Improving psychological safety is about safeguarding the mental health of all employees. Improvements in our work environment involve taking precautions to avert injury or dangers, promoting psychological well-being, and the provision of training and resources to successfully manage well-being.
Why is this important?
The Standard outlines thirteen pivotal factors influencing individuals' mental well-being within the workplace. These psychosocial elements significantly influence employees' psychological reactions towards their work and working conditions. By proactively engaging in understanding and tackling the 13 Factors outlined in the National Standard, employers can cultivate a workplace environment that promotes psychological well-being and safety for their employees.
What does Psychologically Safe Leadership Look Like?
- Leads and influences organizational culture in a positive way
- Ensures that psychological health and safety is part of organizational decision-making processes
- Supports and reinforces the implementation of programs dedicated to improving health and safety
- Provides feedback to enhance the delivery of the program; identify gaps that need to be addressed
- Establishes key objectives towards continual improvement of psychological health and safety in the workplace
- Engages employees to be aware of the importance of psychological health & safety
- Encourages employees to identify and report psychological hazards in the workplace
- Thorough understanding of the resources and supports that are available to employees
Implementation of the Standard through Healthy Minds
To facilitate the implementation, a range of supportive resources have been curated below, including concise videos that introduce each of the thirteen factors. These videos also exemplify how each factor can impact both employees and the overall workplace environment. Furthermore, the following steps outline how leaders can effectively educate their teams and integrate the Standard:
- Familiarization: Develop a deep understanding of the National Standard's principles and objectives.
- Communication: Clearly communicate the significance of psychological health and safety to your team.
- Assessment: Evaluate your workplace's existing psychological health and safety measures and identify potential gaps.
- Training: Provide training sessions to enhance awareness and knowledge of the thirteen influencing factors.
- Inclusivity: Encourage open dialogues and discussions about mental health within the workplace.
- Integration: Incorporate the Standard's guidelines into existing policies and procedures.
- Support: Establish avenues for employees to seek assistance and guidance for mental health concerns.
- Monitoring: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the implemented measures and make adjustments as needed.
Healthy Minds – The 13 Factors
Want to Learn More?
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS):
- Offers a free introductory course on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, including psychosocial factors and the roles of employers and employees.
- Offers a free course for employees. Being a Mindful Employee: An Orientation to Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
- Provides information on how to assess for psychological hazards
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA):
- Provides a handout on Psychological Health and Safety: A Joint Responsibility
- Provides a guide on How to Talk About Mental Health at Your Workplace for leaders
Additional On-Campus Health and Wellness Resources
Employee (and family) Assistance Plan (EAP)
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