For Leaders

Bring the Wellness Cart to Your Department!

With your outlook calendar, book a new appointment. Click schedule assistant and add “KHSC Wellness Cart” (@email(link sends e-mail)) to see when the cart is available.

Add your Occupational Health Nurse to the appointment for initial visit to help familiarize you to the resources.

Find out from Mary Ann Baynton, the former Director of Mental Health Works (link is external)and key contributor to the new National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, about the importance of recognizing mental illness in the workplace and the practical strategies you can take to help employees be more successful in the workplace. Read more about Mary Ann Baynton...(link is external)

Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace

While there are many factors external to the workplace that impact mental health, as a KHSC Leader you play a key role in positively influencing the psychological work environment and have a responsibility to promote the physical and mental safety of your team. Learn more about the factors that support psychological safety in the new CSA Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace.

Did you know?

  • 1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental illness and 30% of KGH's short-term disability claims are psychological in nature.
  • Support from the Leader has positive effects on employee health outcomes, particularly for depression.
  • The likelihood of an employee returning to work after being off for 6 months is only 50%.
  • When employees receive timely treatment, employers save between $5000 to $10,000 per employee per year in the cost of prescription drugs, sick leave, and average wage replacement.
  • Read more from Workplace Resources for Employers...Mental Health in the Workplace: An Accomodation Guide(link is external)

Leading with Mental Health in Mind

Your Role

Leader Role

Leaders are in an optimal position to create a positive and healthy work environment. Learn more about why workplace mental health matters(link is external) and listen to workplace mental health expert Dr. Martin Shain(link is external) speak about the Psychological Health & Safety Standard in the Workplace, the basis for its development and how the workplace can contribute to psychological wellness. Watch "Mental Health in the Workplace" by Dr. Martin Shain(link is external)

Become Informed

As a leader, it's important to be aware of how mental illness can affect work performance and to know how to intervene to support optimal functioning. Use these resources to learn more about how you can promote mental health in the workplace and support those with mental health illness.

Difficult Conversations

Initiating a conversation with an employee you are concerned about isn't always easy- whether it's about behavioural changes that you've noticed, difficulties they are having in meeting performance standards, or increased absenteeism, knowing how to appropriately intervene is key.

Should you require guidance or are unclear on how to effectively address a workplace concern or performance issue, the following assistance is available to KHSC Leaders:

Homewood Health provides Leaders with immediate access to multiple resources to make your job easier and less stressful.

  • KHSC Department Specific HR Advisors
  • Key Person Advice Line through Homewood Health EFAP- 1-800-663-1142

Managing Absence & Return to Work (RTW)

The Leader plays a critical role in the disability management/return to work process. Early and regular contact with your employee allows you to offer support, maintains their connection to the workplace, and can reduce the length of their absence. For more information see the Leader's Quick Tips for Managing Absence & RTW(link is external).

Crisis Intervention

For critical incidents or crisis situations that have potential to cause emotional distress or negatively impact staff, it is recommended that Crisis Support through EFAP(link is external) be initiated. To arrange for an EFAP counsellor to come on site within 48 hours, contact Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142. Immediate deployment is available depending on the situation and urgency of response required. For questions about crisis support, contact Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness x4389.

Below are resources that may support you as an individual and as a leader when experiencing a traumatic event. 

Additional Resources for Leaders

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health have created a full listing of approaches for leaders, resources and toolkits to support leaders and employees to develop solutions that support producitiy and well-being. 

Newsletters for Leaders