Last month we discussed the mental health conference Bottom Line; a two day event all about mental health in the workplace. This is a current hot topic as the Mental Health Commission of Canada also touched upon the health workplaces in their monthly newsletter.
The MHCC reveals a report by Martin Shain, PhD all about how to create conditions that lead to a healthy workplace for both employers and employees. Shain defines a healthy workplace as one that makes all efforts to protect the mental health of its employees. Besides creating a healthy environment, employees need acknowledgement, resources and support to be happy in their jobs.
Shain outlines five steps workplaces can take to reduce risks that could lead to to mental illness:
1) Routinely identify psychological and physical job hazards that could lead to risks
2) Conduct regular internal reviews of data pertaining to mental health of employees
3) Have a system in place to respond to risks in an organized and prioritized way
4) Have access to a broad range of information that provides validated practical responses to risks
5) Create and implement policies and procedures concerning the prevention and management of mental health disorders
Be proactive in your workplace and take these steps as a way to create healthy spaces for happy employees.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Finding Balance Between Work and Life
Fall always seems co-related with going back to school - new clothes, new backpacks, a fresh start and opportunity to learn something new. In the case of this blog, we are going to adopt our best "Back to School" attitude and try to post about mental health issues on a more regular basis.
We've decided to post blogs somewhat thematically, although we will likely also post on issues and events as they arise, and so that you might know what to expect, and when, here is a breakdown of themes by day:
Monday: Wellness
Tuesday: Employment and Volunteer Work
Wednesday: Mental Health News and In the Media
Thursday: Community Events
Friday: Recreation
And so, in keeping with Tuesday's theme, and tying in with the first day back after the Labour Day weekend, is today's blog entry on finding balance between work and life:
The Tuesday after the Labour Day long weekend represents, for many Canadians, an unofficial end of summer, and a return to the routine and responsibilities of work and school. And, quite often, this also means a return to the demands of a heavy worload, and the stress and anxiety this can cause.
Canadians face more demands than ever, from family, friends, community, in terms of their own health, and, especially, at work. Workers may find themselves, especially in the current economic climate, taking on many more responsibilities, increasing their workloads, neglecting other areas of their lives and increasing stress levels. While some forms of stress can positively assist with work output, it is important to distinguish between that form of stress and burnout. Some people are more likely to experience work-related burnout, and learning to recognize the signs may help counter the impact.
Work demands can also lead to an inbalance in other areas of life. Some of the signs of this inbalance include feeling overwhelmed, feeling guilty that you may be neglecting other areas, and difficulty concentrating. Check out the CMHA's Work/Life Balance Quiz to figure out whether you're balanced.
It is possible for you to take steps to improve your work/life balance. The CMHA offers tips that may not only help you improve the time you spend with family and friends, but may also help job efficacy. Try a Five Minute Stress Buster, or a Three Minute Stretch at your desk!
Despite, or perhaps because of, all the demands modern life makes, it is more important than ever to maintain a good balance between work and the rest of your life. And, in maintaining balance between the two, you may find improves your work life, and the rest of your life as well.
We've decided to post blogs somewhat thematically, although we will likely also post on issues and events as they arise, and so that you might know what to expect, and when, here is a breakdown of themes by day:
Monday: Wellness
Tuesday: Employment and Volunteer Work
Wednesday: Mental Health News and In the Media
Thursday: Community Events
Friday: Recreation
And so, in keeping with Tuesday's theme, and tying in with the first day back after the Labour Day weekend, is today's blog entry on finding balance between work and life:
The Tuesday after the Labour Day long weekend represents, for many Canadians, an unofficial end of summer, and a return to the routine and responsibilities of work and school. And, quite often, this also means a return to the demands of a heavy worload, and the stress and anxiety this can cause.
Canadians face more demands than ever, from family, friends, community, in terms of their own health, and, especially, at work. Workers may find themselves, especially in the current economic climate, taking on many more responsibilities, increasing their workloads, neglecting other areas of their lives and increasing stress levels. While some forms of stress can positively assist with work output, it is important to distinguish between that form of stress and burnout. Some people are more likely to experience work-related burnout, and learning to recognize the signs may help counter the impact.
Work demands can also lead to an inbalance in other areas of life. Some of the signs of this inbalance include feeling overwhelmed, feeling guilty that you may be neglecting other areas, and difficulty concentrating. Check out the CMHA's Work/Life Balance Quiz to figure out whether you're balanced.
It is possible for you to take steps to improve your work/life balance. The CMHA offers tips that may not only help you improve the time you spend with family and friends, but may also help job efficacy. Try a Five Minute Stress Buster, or a Three Minute Stretch at your desk!
Despite, or perhaps because of, all the demands modern life makes, it is more important than ever to maintain a good balance between work and the rest of your life. And, in maintaining balance between the two, you may find improves your work life, and the rest of your life as well.
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