Bill Howatt

1 week ago | ohscanada.com | Bill Howatt

Once an employer decides to engage in workplace psychological health and safety, there are a few imperatives for success. They must be clear on why, how and what success looks like and how they will implement their workplace psychological safety program. Success will depend on a two-way accountability model between the employer and employees.

1 week ago | ohscanada.com | Bill Howatt |Troy Winters

In our ongoing series on psychological health and safety policies, we now address the return-to-work and disability management policy. This policy is crucial for supporting employees through the challenging back-to-work transition after an absence related to mental health conditions or other disabilities. Why a person is off work is not as important as how their employer will help them get treatment and support while they are off work, and support them when they return to work.

2 weeks ago | ohscanada.com | Bill Howatt

Psychological health and safety (PHS) programs are intentional actions that leverage a plan-do-check-act (PDCA) approach to create workplaces that reduce mental harm and promote mental health. Before beginning a PHS journey, the employer must consider their why, what and how.

2 weeks ago | ohscanada.com | Bill Howatt |Troy Winters

Our continuing series on psychological health and safety policies now addresses the work-life blending policy, which provides a framework for helping employees maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life. Creating precise lines between home and work can be difficult in today’s 24/7 digital world. There may not be any such thing as work-life balance.

3 weeks ago | ohscanada.com | Bill Howatt |Troy Winters

Continuing our psychological health and safety policies series, we now focus on the substance use and abuse policy. A substance use and abuse policy serves as a framework for addressing alcohol and drug use that may affect the workplace. When developed with a psychological health and safety lens, this policy balances organizational needs for safety and productivity with compassionate support for employees struggling with substance use disorders.