WINNIPEG (MB.) September 4, 2020 – The start of a school year marks a return to work for not only teachers but also a return to the workplace and regular routines for many. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our daily routines and mental health, and can often exacerbate anxiety and other mental health challenges.
“Return to The Workplace” provides an overview of how the pandemic might impact you as an individual and employee. This toolkit is a guide to support the mental health of individuals as they plan safe transitions back into their workplaces and to help employers as they develop policies and procedures for supporting their staff returning to the work environment.
CMHA is a national leader in mental health, including Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. CMHA offers Workplace Mental Health Solutions to all organizations in Manitoba and Canada to protect and promote all employees’ mental health based on the Canadian National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for employers and employees. In its continuing support of Manitoba organizations and communities, CMHA wants to share this great resource to help the return to work process.
The pandemic has created many new challenges, and we recognize a physical return to work may add to the existing stress or anxiety people are feeling at this time, which is why our colleagues at CMHA Ontario created this toolkit,” says CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg CEO Marion Cooper. “Addressing mental health needs during a return-to-the-workplace process doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many strategies, such as communicating well, and listening to your staff’s needs that can help ease concerns and assist employees in coming back to their workplace”.
Ela Partyka, Director at CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg responsible for Workplace Mental Health Solutions, says, “All organizations have a responsibility to create a work environment that protects and promotes the mental well-being of their employees all the time, and even more so during these challenging times.” CMHA is here to help organizations have the tools, skills, and resources to do this. For more information about the toolkit and Workplace Mental Health Solutions, please visit CMHA’s website at https://mbwpg.cmha.ca/.
About the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg
Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all to flourish and thrive. We work to improve the lives of all Manitobans through leadership, collaboration, and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addiction services.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Lynn Russell
204-982-6141
lrussell@cmhawpg.mb.ca