A report released by the Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace has identified elements of a framework for psychological safety to guide mental health practices at work. This report stemmed from Martin Shain’s article “The Perfect Storm,” a paper that spoke to the need for workplace environments that promote mental well-being.
Supported by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Great West Life,” Elements and Priorities for Working Toward a Psychologically Safer Workplace” was developed with the help of representatives from diverse backgrounds, including large organizations, labour unions, health and safety workers, small business, government agencies and policy/legal professionals.
The report identifies four top priorities for ensuring a psychologically safe workplace:
- Management training to develop interpersonal competence and an increased awareness of their responsibilities in guarding the psychological well-being of employees. This was identified as the top priority.
- Education in the workplace to enhance awareness of mental health and mental illness
- Review and revision of organizational policies, procedures, and practices to determine their impact on mental health
- Embed psychological safety measures into existing occupational health and safety approaches.
The report concludes with a proposed management framework for setting policy, planning, implementation and operation, and a two step evaluation process.
See “Elements and Priorities for Working Toward a Psychologically Safer Workplace” at www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com.