OPG striving to improve mental health in the workplace

Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague. By age 40, half of the population will have experienced a mental illness, according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and many never seek out help.

OPG continues to make strides to destigmatize mental health in the workplace and ensure all employees have access to timely and effective treatment, including counselling services, financial and legal services, and depression care. These resources are designed to help employees get access to timely treatment as well as provide education and support in times of need.

“Many people think they’re coping well, but what we’ve found is that they’re just on the cusp of breaking down,” said Tanya Hickey, Senior Manager Health and Safety Strategies at OPG. “As a company, we hope to make a difference in people’s lives by providing and encouraging access to get the help they need.”

To raise awareness, OPG has trained more than 2,100 people leaders in a Mental Health First Aid Certification course, which teaches how to spot the signs of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety and provide early help.

In addition, some OPG employees, like Kim Loader and Tony Hall, have publicly told their own stories. And this has encouraged other employees to share their own struggles and seek help.