Useful Websites

The following websites provide access to information and resources that support and promote a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.

Take Your Break

Reminders about the importance of taking your break, and suggestions on ways to use your break time to become calmer, more energized and more physically relaxed at work.

Not Myself Today 

Information and resources to assist individuals and organizations to support people who experience mental health problems and illnesses.

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health

Links to a number of resources related to mental health, including:

  • The national standard for psychological health and safety in the workplace
  • Managing Mental Health Matters (manager training)
  • Engaging staff in solutions
  • Promoting mental health
  • Mental health awareness

The Mental Health Commission of Canada hosts free monthly webinars on topics related to psychological health and safety in the workplace. Check out the archive, which includes presentations on topics such as building civility and respect, supporting employees, and providing accommodations.

This program is designed for employees and managers to promote mental wellness, and to reduce stigma associated with mental health problems and illnesses. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The MHFA Canada program aims to improve mental health literacy, and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

The National Standard is a voluntary set of guidelines, tools and resources focused on promoting employees’ psychological health and preventing psychological harm due to workplace factors. The Standard was championed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), and developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) and the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ). The standard sets a benchmark for organizations across Canada. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is evaluating implementation of the standard in order to provide guidance for organizations considering adopting the Standard.

Guarding Minds@Work

Guarding Minds @ Work (GM@W) offers a set of free resources designed to protect and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace. GM@W resources allow organizational leaders, including employers and unions, to effectively assess and address the 13 psychosocial factors known to have a powerful impact on organizational health.

Factors influencing psychological health and safety in the workplace were identified by researchers from the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction at Simon Fraser University using extensive literature review and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. Factors influencing psychological health in the workplace include:

  • Psychological support
  • Organizational culture
  • Clear leadership and expectations
  • Civility and respect
  • Psychological competence
  • Growth and development
  • Recognition and reward
  • Involvement and influence
  • Workload management
  • Engagement
  • Balance
  • Psychological protection
  • Protection of physical safety

Detailed information on how the factors were identified, how they are defined, and how they influence psychological health can be obtained from the Guarding Minds@Work website.