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Workplace Mental Health in Canada: Towards a Digital Future

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Mental Health in the Workplace

Part of the book series: Integrating Psychiatry and Primary Care ((IPPC))

Abstract

Mental health in the workplace is increasingly discussed in Canada. Canadians have made strides in creating the only national standard for psychological safety in the workplace (The Standard) and in transforming the workplace to include mental health initiatives. There still remain many gaps and barriers such as stigma, access, engagement, and quality of care to be addressed. By leveraging technology and using e-mental health tools, Canadian organizations have the opportunity to address these gaps by implementing comprehensive, accessible, sustainable, and affordable mental health solutions in and out of the workplace.

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Acknowledgment

Conflict of Interest Declaration: Kathleen Qu is the Product Manager for FeelingBetterNow® as of February 2015. Dr. Sam Ozersky is also affiliated with FeelingBetterNow® as the CEO and founder of the web-based program from 2006 to the present.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mensante Corporation, North York, ON, Canada

    Kathleen Qu & Sam Ozersky

  2. Toronto General Hospital Mood Disorder Clinic, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Sam Ozersky

Authors
  1. Kathleen Qu
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  2. Sam Ozersky
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Kathleen Qu or Sam Ozersky .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Michelle B. Riba

  2. Comprehensive Depression Center, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Sagar V. Parikh

  3. Comprehensive Depression Center, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    John F. Greden

Potential Resources

Potential Resources

The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Summary): https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/national-standard

Mental Health First Aid—Canada: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/focus-areas/mental-health-first-aid

Peer Support Canada: http://www.psac-canada.com/

Workplace Mental Health Resources for Employers/Employees: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/healthy-workplace/workplace-wellness/mental-health-workplace/resources-employees-mental-health-workplace.html

Guarding Minds @ Work: http://www.guardingmindsatwork.ca

FeelingBetterNow ® Mental Health Navigation Tool for Organizations: http://www.feelingbetternow.com

Glossary/Definitions

Absenteeism (mental health)

The practice of regularly/habitual pattern of absence with reasons that are not clear and can be interpreted by others as not having a good reason but are likely related to underlying mental health issues.

E-mental health

Mental health services and information delivered or enhanced through the Internet and related technologies (definition from Helen Christensen [69]).

Presenteeism (mental health)

The practice of working despite being ill or having a mental health-related illness/concern that leads to loss in productivity.

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Qu, K., Ozersky, S. (2019). Workplace Mental Health in Canada: Towards a Digital Future. In: Riba, M., Parikh, S., Greden, J. (eds) Mental Health in the Workplace. Integrating Psychiatry and Primary Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04266-0_3

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