Supporting mental health in the workplace
Virtually every Canadian has experienced some form of distress, more recently related to the pandemic. In 2021, the prolonged period of stress and social isolation led researchers and health organizations to warn that mental illness could be an “echo pandemic” resulting from COVID-19.
Today, the TELUS Mental Health Index supports this prediction, indicating that the decline in mental health of working Canadians remains well below pre-pandemic levels. One-third of workers in Canada have a high mental health risk, more than double the pre-pandemic rate.1
The lasting impact could translate to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, higher use of health and disability benefits, and a reduced qualified workforce.
Thankfully, workplace wellness advocates are seeing this as an opportunity to have discussions around mental illness in the workplace and to implement new policies that prioritize the mental health of their people.
Total Mental Health answers the call.
While we have a better understanding of mental health issues, and the stigma around treatment has decreased, organizations and individuals still lack effective solutions to manage and monitor mental health.
The employee assistance program (EAP) still plays an essential role in employee health and wellbeing, but it is designed to offer short-term support. People with more complex mental health challenges may require longer-term, robust solutions that include customized care plans.
TELUS Total Mental Health offers holistic mental health support for today's employees and their family members* that includes continuous counselling with qualified mental health professionals by phone, video, text and in-person appointments.
Care navigators are available 24/7 to build customized plans, book appointments, complete billings and support employees through their entire journey.
Employees also have access to self-directed specialty care programs, wellbeing content, legal and financial assistance and family services like child and elder care.
This direct access to personalized services can help employees stay focused on improving their mental health, and making positive changes at work and home.
Solutions that are always within reach.
HR departments can raise awareness of the benefits of good mental health practices and implement strategies that can help maintain a healthy working environment. Frequent communication about available mental health tools and programs helps to improve understanding and increase usage, while sending a message that the employer is genuinely interested in creating a better workplace culture for employees.
As organizations plan for the future of their workplace, Total Mental Health will be there to help support employees and decision-makers every step of the way. With the proper tools, a healthier future is within reach. That’s why TELUS Health is committed to offering accessible, personalized solutions that can help improve the lives of today’s workers.
*Spouse and children under 26
1 The TELUS Mental Health Index, April 23, p.3