Innovative program could help almost 60 per cent of
Canadian workplaces without a mental health strategy
TORONTO, June 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial is
taking a significant step to help employers identify mental health
risks and foster more mentally healthy workplaces with the launch
of the Workplace Mental Health Risk Assessment and Consulting
Services.
Mental health issues have become a leading driver for disability
claims in Canada. Approximately 30
per cent of disability claims are attributed to mental health
problems and illnesses1 yet 57 per cent of Canadian
workplaces have no mental health strategy.2
Sun Life's 2015 Canadian Health Index found that 86 per cent of
Canadians believe their employers are responsible for supporting
their employees' psychological health.
This digital assessment was created to help employers develop a
plan to build a more mentally healthy workplace for employees. It
is aligned to the National Standard set out by the Mental Health
Commission of Canada's National
Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
"When an employee is facing a mental health issue, many aspects
of their life, including their engagement in the workplace, can be
negatively impacted," said Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, Assistant
Vice-President, Workplace Mental Health, Group Benefits, Sun Life
Financial Canada. "Organizations with a mental health strategy in
place can benefit from increased job satisfaction, higher
productivity and lower absenteeism."
The Workplace Mental Health Risk Assessment tool was developed
by Sun Life's Integrated Health Solutions team in partnership with
Dr. Arla Day, a world-renowned
researcher in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from
Saint Mary's University in Nova Scotia.
Dr. Day's research focuses on healthy workplaces, occupational
health and stress, work-life balance, and leadership.
Employers complete the online risk assessment to get an
immediate snapshot of how their organization is faring in relation
to the 13 psychological risk factors outlined in the National
Standard. The initial results pinpoint the risk factors needing
attention at their organization. Sun Life's Integrated Health
Solutions consultants will follow-up with a detailed plan to help
employers prioritize and take action on their results with the aim
of building a more psychologically healthy and safe workplace. This
innovative approach was piloted with the City of Mississauga.
"Every day our frontline staff is exposed to difficult
situations that can lead to stress on their mental well-being. This
is in addition to the personal issues they may be dealing with,"
said Shawn Matheson, Assistant
Chief, Mississauga Fire &
Emergency Services. "Sun Life's Mental Health Risk Assessment
helped the City of Mississauga
develop an action plan to support our first responders. We may not
be able to control the trauma they face, but we are now in a better
position to help support them."
"Sun Life is committed to being an industry leader by providing
innovative resources to support employers as they work to build a
healthy organization and proactively address employees' physical,
mental and financial health needs," Dr. Pelletier continued. "We
help employers meet the needs of today to build a healthier
future."
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services
organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth
products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun
Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide,
including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March
31, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had
total assets under management of $861
billion. For more information please visit
www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
Group Benefits are offered by Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada, a member of the Sun Life
Financial group of companies.
Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.
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1 Smetanin, P., et al. (2011). The life and economic
impact of major mental illnesses in Canada: 2011 to 2041. RiskAnalytica, on behalf
of the Mental Health Commission of Canad
2 Chenier, L., & Boyer, C. (2016). Healthy Brains at
Work: Employer-Sponsored Mental Health Benefits and Programs.
Conference Board of Canada,
Briefing (2)
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada