Mental Health in Workplace Matters More Than You Think

Summary of Article:

When it comes to the pressing priorities of an average entrepreneur, managing the mental health of staff is most likely not one to come to mind.  Concern about whether or not employees are feeling good about their work and their lives likely has to take a backseat to issues related to surviving this tough economy.  This includes improving sales or reducing expenses.  Whether or not small businesses are feeling any pressure to address these issues, the pressure is there on a number of aspects.  "For the first time in Canadian history, employers are confronted with a legal duty to maintain not only a physically safe workplace, but also a psychologically safe work environment." says a report done for the Mental Health Commission of Canada by Dr. Martin Shain of the University of Toronto.  The report, called "Tracking the Perfect Legal Storm, outlines a variety of developments in Canadian courtrooms that indicate the legal system is less tolerant of workplace factors that threaten psychological "safety".  Also, increasingly large fines are being imposed on companies that don't consider the toll their workplace policies may take on employees' mental health.  There are not just legal risks connected to ignoring mental health, but also the risk of lost productivity.

My Opinion of Article:

This topic is something that businesses all around the world should be aware of.  It is amazing how many people are affected by their business's environment and affect them mentally.  Personally, I know of someone who doesn't enjoy going to work because he does not feel it is a psychologically safe work environment.  This not only causes him to lose interest and be less productive in the company, but also destroys the companies reputation.  Ensuring healthy mental health is very important and a good example of this is the company Google.  Google ensures not only ensures healthy mental health, but makes employees feel safe while having fun.  They are listed as the number one workplace to work at and do this by offering leisure facilities and more.  I think in order for companies to improve employee's mental health and to ensure that they are safe, they should look up to Google and aspire to be like them.  Google is a good role model in that aspect and would help companies solve this very important issue.