Dealing With Mental Health Issues In the Workplace

At Business Takes Action’s 4^th Annual Conference, The True Cost of Workplace Mental Health this week, I had the privilege of being part of a panel along with two talented professionals: Deanna Matzanke, Director HR Policy & Compliance/Diversity & Inclusion, Scotiabank and Rosemarie Auld, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Hamilton Police Services.

For an hour and a half we shared our employment practices at our respective businesses. There was a constant stream of questions from the audience that kept us on our toes. But by the end of the session there was unifying message: As much as possible, and regardless of the circumstances, it is critical to accommodate your valued employees using the following guidelines:

1. Maintain standards: Ensure that your employee fits within your culture, and that there is a match between a new hire and your organizational goals and culture. All too often employees who do not fit remain on staff causing an unhappy, unproductive relationship that inevitably becomes harmful to both parties. This can cause mental health concerns.