Claude di Stasio discusses mental health in the workplace at the 2012 Benefits and Pension Summit

Release Date: 07/11/2012
Source: Benefits Canada TV
Staff Reference: Claude Di Stasio

By Gabrielle Bauer

More and more employers recognize the benefits of investing in the mental health of their workforce,” said Claude di Stasio, vice-president of Quebec affairs with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). The Mental Health Commission of Canada recently stated that “psychological requirements of employees need to be addressed in the workplace,” she added. The commission is currently developing a voluntary national standard for psychological health in the workplace. In the meantime, the CLHIA has crafted the following principles.

Work to improve knowledge of the impact of workplace mental illness.
Encourage best practices and programs for a mentally healthy workplace.
Collaborate with stakeholders to reduce mental health disability in the workplace.
Use fair and effective disability management practices.
Promote products and services that address mental health needs.

Di Stasio emphasized that most employers can fold these principles into their existing programs without much extra work or financial investment. “Whatever else you do, be sure to equip managers to recognize stress and distress in employees and offer assistance.”

Watch: Claude Di Stasio discussing employers’ involvement in mental health