A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

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Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health

/ 35:36/E11
In Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Candace Giesbrecht, Director of People, Culture & Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, to explore what it means to have a mentally healthy workplace—and why it's a shared responsibility across the entire organization. They discuss how measuring psychological safety, addressing burnout, and making evidence-informed decisions can drive long-term culture change in the workplace.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. What Is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?
  • Why it’s more than just a CEO or HR declaration.
  • The role of shared responsibility and leadership buy-in.
  • Importance of aligning actual work with job descriptions and expectations.
2. Measuring Psychological Safety
  • Introduction to Guarding Minds at Work, a free, evidence-based assessment tool.
  • Explanation of the 13 psychosocial factors that influence workplace mental health.
  • How asking staff for input—and acting on it—can improve trust and engagement.
3. CMHA Kelowna’s Journey to Address Burnout
  • Using data to identify burnout risk as a key area for improvement.
  • Shifting onboarding practices and job clarity to reduce staff overwhelm.
  • Why meaningful change took two years—and how it led to better hiring, reduced turnover, and deeper organizational insight.
4. From Insight to Action
  • The importance of going beyond surveys to follow through with transparent communication and real change.
  • The impact of getting senior leaders involved in front-line observations.
  • How even small, focused actions can spark broader transformation.
5. Starting the Conversation as a Leader
  • Tips for senior leaders to break the stigma and foster openness about mental health.
  • The power of vulnerability in leadership: "I’m not feeling like myself—anyone else?"
  • Using relevant stats or research to spark meaningful workplace conversations.
Key Takeaways:
  • A mentally healthy workplace requires more than intention—it needs measurement, leadership, follow-up, and time.
  • Burnout can be addressed by tackling root causes like onboarding, job clarity, and realistic expectations.
  • Just asking how staff are doing can start a ripple effect—but only if it's followed by action.
  • Leaders set the tone. Courageous conversations from the top can help break stigma and shift culture.
Resources:

What is MH in the Workplace

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-workplace.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-mental-health-and-the-workplace/
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/mh/mentalhealth_address.html
https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/workplace/

Stats on MH in workplace

https://cmha.ca/what-we-do/national-programs/workplace-mental-health/takeaways/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
https://www.mhrc.ca/workplace-mental-health
https://www.mhrc.ca/psychological-health-and-safety-2024

Burnout

https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-workplace-burnout/
https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/workplace-burnout
https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/wellness-inclusion-diversity-public-service/health-wellness-public-servants/mental-health-workplace/preventing-burnout.html
https://workplacementalhealth.org/employer-resources/infographics/infographic-beating-burnout-at-work

Achieving and Maintaining MH in the workplace  

https://13factors.ca/13-factors#:~:text=13%20psychosocial%20risk%20factors%20were,manager%20mental%20health%20and%20wellbeing.
https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/13-factors-addressing-mental-health-in-the-workplace/
https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/national-standard/
https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/resources/guarding-minds-at-work
https://www.guardingmindsatwork.ca/
https://www.cmhakelowna.com/education-training/workplace-training
https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/
https://www.ccohs.ca/healthyminds
https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/hospitality-tourism/
https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/community-social-services/
https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/mental-health-for/healthcare/

Thank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.

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A Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union
Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health

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