Employers Creating Positive Change for Mental Health in Canada
In these challenging times, feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression have surged. A recent CAMH poll reveals that 50% of Canadians report worsening mental health since the pandemic began, with expected long-lasting effects post-pandemic. It is now more crucial than ever to prioritize the well-being and mental health of everyone.
Our Commitment to Mental Health 2023 and Beyond: Building Healthy Minds at Work®
The initiative “Employers Creating Positive Change for Mental Health in Canada: Building Healthy Minds at Work®“ aligns with Excellence Canada’s commitment to improving Canadian Mental Health in 2023 and beyond. Our primary goal is to empower organizations to prioritize mental well-being and acknowledge their achievements in promoting a mentally healthy and safe work environment.
When leaders invest in “building healthy minds,” they not only prioritize mental well-being in their workplace but also become active contributors to the broader community. Fostering a mentally healthy work environment demonstrates social responsibility and positively impacts the lives of employees, their families, and communities.
We challenge all leaders to certify to Mental Health at Work® Essentials
Excellence Canada calls on all leaders to help us realize our vision – to promote and enable excellence in every organization in Canada. As part of our mission, we are excited to introduce Mental Health at Work® Essentials Certification, a simplified process to recognizing and celebrating organizations that demonstrate a commitment to mental health excellence.
By certifying to Mental Health at Work® Essentials, organizations will demonstrate their efforts in nurturing Healthy Minds at Work and be recognized in the Globe and Mail and celebrated on the national stage in November at the 39th Performance Excellence Summit and Canada Awards for Excellence being held at the Delta Hotel in Toronto.
How to get Certified
Getting certified to Mental Health at Work® Essentials showcases your organization’s commitment to prioritizing employee well-being, fostering a positive work culture, and achieving excellence in mental health initiatives. Become an employer of choice!
Take it from the experts. Excellence Canada has partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to be the only organization that certifies employers to achieving the requirements of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
To apply for certification, applicants must complete a Company Brief (online application), upload supporting documentation and participate in a survey to measure employee health and well-being.
Complete company brief*
Fill out a short questionnaire to tell us about your organization and showcase your mental health initiatives in the workplace and upload supporting documentation.
Survey your employees
Celebrate your certification on the national stage
If you meet the criteria and the employee feedback benchmark, you’ll achieve certification and receive a certificate of recognition at the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE) ceremony taking place on November 17th at the Delta Hotel Toronto.
*An application fee of $4,950 plus applicable HST applies and must be paid before application is processed.
Celebrate Your Certification on the National Stage
If you meet the criteria and the employee feedback benchmark, you’ll achieve certification and receive a certificate of recognition at the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE) ceremony taking place on November 17th at the Delta Hotel Toronto. This recognition celebrates your dedication to fostering a mentally healthy workplace. Proudly display the certificate and use the certification logo on all your marketing assets.
Together, let’s Make Mental Health and Well-being a Priority.
Empower your organization to make a difference in the lives of your employees and contribute to the well-being of our communities. Become a certified leader in Mental Health at Work Essentials and be recognized on the national stage for your commitment to mental health excellence.
Take the first step towards change by certifying to Mental Health at Work Essentials today! Together, we can build a mentally healthier, more supportive, and successful future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mental Heath at Work Essentials Certification?
Mental Health at Work® Essentials Certification serves as an entry point within the broader Mental Health at Work® Framework and is closely linked to the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE), Canada’s prestigious award program under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada. This certification serves as a steppingstone for organizations to embark on their mental health excellence journey and progress towards higher levels of certification and recognition within the framework. Most importantly, Mental Health at Work® Essentials Certification provides organizations with an opportunity to celebrate their commitment to prioritizing mental health and well-being in the workplace, recognizing their efforts and achievements in creating a positive and supportive work environment.
My organization is interested in certification. How do we get started?
To get started with the certification process, simply complete the Company Brief (online application). Once you submit the application form, our team will reach out to provide further instructions and guide you through the next steps towards achieving certification.
What are the benefits of Certification to my organization?
- Demonstrate Your Commitment: Stand out as a leader in employee well-being and showcase your dedication to creating a mentally healthy work environment.
- Unlock the Potential: Boost productivity, performance, and employee engagement by fostering a supportive culture that values mental health.
- Attract Top Talent: Differentiate yourself as an employer of choice, attracting top talent who prioritize mental well-being and seek organizations that care about their employees.
What is the certification process?
The certification process involves completing a Company Brief (online application), upload supporting documentation and participate in a survey to measure employee health and well-being.
Company Brief: Fill out a short questionnaire to tell us about your organization and showcase your mental health initiatives in the workplace and upload supporting documentation:
- List of organizational policies: Provide an index of your policies, including the Mental Health at Work Policy and theEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
- Mental Health at Work Plan/Action Plan (or draft in progress): Present your draft or final current mental health action plan, detailing the steps you are taking to promote well-being among your employees.
- Health and Safety Risk Management Plan: Outline your strategy for identifying and assessing health and safety risks in the workplace.
Survey: Select a two-week period to administer the Mental Health at Work® Essentials survey to measure employee health and well-being. Please note that the response rate requirement varies based on the number of employees in your organization:
- Up to 99 employees: 80% response rate
- 100 to 249 employees: 70% response rate
- 250 to 499 employees: 40% response rate
- 500 to 1,499 employees: 20% response rate
- 1,500+ employees: 15% response rate
How long is Excellence Canada certification valid for?
Excellence Canada certification for Mental Health at Work® Essentials is valid for one year.
What are the costs of certification through Excellence Canada?
The certification costs for Mental Health at Work® Essentials is $4,950 plus applicable HST. This fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be paid before the application can be processed.
Do we have to be an Excellence Canada Partner to apply for certification?
No, it is not mandatory to be an Excellence Canada Partner to apply for certification in Mental Health at Work Essentials. However, there are benefits to becoming an Excellence Canada Partner, such as access to additional resources, networking opportunities, and the potential for further recognition and support in your organization’s pursuit of excellence in mental health at work.
My organization is considering certification through Excellence Canada, but we have some additional questions. Who can we contact to obtain more information?
Excellence Canada would be more than happy to address any questions your organization may have about our certification program. Please complete the contact form and a member of our team will be in touch with you.