Workplace Safety North's initiative helps address challenges in Ontario's workplaces
Workplace Safety North (WSN) has introduced the Mental Health Guide for Small Businesses, a free, practical resource developed to help small business owners effectively address workplace mental health concerns. The guide, created by psychological health and safety advisors trained by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), marks a significant step toward enhancing employee well-being across Ontario’s small business sector.
Responding to a growing need
Lindsay Digby, a health and safety specialist at WSN and certified advisor on psychological health and safety, shared the motivation behind this initiative in a recent interview. "The pandemic intensified the focus on workplace mental health," said Digby. "With the Ontario Ministry of Labour making it a strategic priority, we had the opportunity to expand our support to small businesses."
Digby emphasized that small businesses face unique challenges, particularly in differentiating between work-related stressors they can control and external factors beyond their influence. "Understanding what’s within their control is crucial," she explained, underscoring the importance of balancing employer obligations with supportive environments for employees' overall well-being.
Three-step approach
The Mental Health Guide provides a comprehensive yet accessible framework to help small business owners create a psychologically safe work environment. Here’s an outline of the guide’s approach:
- Get informed: This step introduces psychological health and safety concepts. It clarifies how stressors like high workloads or fear of speaking up about safety hazards can impact mental health.
- Manage psychosocial hazards: Using the RACE Model (Recognize, Assess, Control, and Evaluate), the guide empowers business owners to tackle workplace risks, such as bullying or excessive demands, systematically.
- Create an action plan: Tailored action plans help small businesses set mental health goals, monitor progress, and maintain a cycle of continuous improvement. The guide comes with templates, safety talk resources, and employee information sheets.
Why small businesses should care
Digby noted that psychological safety is especially critical for smaller enterprises. High employee turnover and retention difficulties can be costly. "Workplaces where employees feel supported see better retention and productivity," Digby stated. The guide’s benefits also include fostering a culture of trust and meeting legal requirements to protect employees from mental harm.
Cindy Schiewek, WSN’s health and safety services director, highlighted the broader implications: “Investing in mental health leads to healthier, happier teams and a more resilient organization.”
The guide also integrates elements from the CSA Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. "It’s one of the few free resources from CSA," Digby said, emphasizing its utility for safety professionals.
For those interested, WSN offers additional mental health training and resources on their website. "We’ve packed the guide with easy-to-follow steps and linked resources," says Digby. “It’s another essential tool in any safety professional’s kit.”
