Mental Health in the Workplace

According to the Watson Wyatt 2005 "Stay at Work Survey" the number one issue concerning employers is the rise in mental health claims. and the associated costs.

The Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health report the following facts;

• 7.5 million Canadians suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse or other mental disorders each year
• 43% of respondents to a 2006 Mercer/Marsh reported the frequency and cost of depression/anxiety/related claims among employees is increasing
• Over 10% of general drug plan costs are for mental illness, and over 21% of all drug claims are to treat mental illness
• When medical conditions co-occur with mental illness, specifically depression, total pharmacy costs related to mental illness increase by a factor of three

ORGOC has been a leader and pioneer in addressing mental health disability claims. Our expert staff have developed and implemented innovative case management procedures and a variety of programs which have positively impacted individual's resiliency, increased productivity and overall wellness. These initiatives have also resulted in increased retention, reduction of absenteeism and short and long term disability costs.

Specialized Case Management:

• Specialized trained staff who understand the specific needs of individuals suffering from Mental Health disabilities and the impact on function and the workplace.
• Network of professional service providers to meet the treatment needs of the client
• Teamwork approach to develop Relapse Prevention strategies for the client in association with the treatment provider and employer
• knowledge and understanding of developing specific modifications and/or accommodations in conjunction with the employer.

One major barrier to effective management of these disabilities is the fear of the unknown. In response ORGOC has initiated Vitality* This initiative is designed to educate and train employers to better understand and manage Mental Health in the workplace as well as provide training and skill development to employees.

Vitality* for Employers:

ORGOC offers workshops (1/2 day, or Full Day) designed to provide managers, supervisors, administrators with:
• new research and trends in understanding mental health in the workplace
• recognizing signs and symptoms
• concrete tools for communicating with employees regarding mental health
• learning methods to de-stigmatize Mental Illness in the workplace
•best practices and employers who are leading the way
•proven tools and strategies to accommodate an employee returning to work from a mental health disability
•practical methods to manage early and supported return to work programs
•Creating a sustainable healthy workplace for both employers and employees

For information on these workshops or to book yours please contact Lynn Hiscoe@orgoc.ca or Don Smith, dsmith@orgoc.ca

Vitality* for Employees:

ORGOC is offering a 10 week program (2 hours once per week) for employees designed to build resiliency and work-life balance. This program is targeted to individuals who may be suffering from an mental health disability, at risk of developing one or those who have an interest in understanding the issues and wish to prevent or lower the risk of developing a mental health disability.

This program was developed in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA www.carmha.ca ) Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University. This program is currently being offered to the Teachers of British Columbia. The program provides opportunities for:
-improved vitality and wellness (best practice)
-understanding signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, accumulated stress, as well as the possible causes and options for treatment
-learning practical skills and strategies to attain goals toward wellness
-identifying tools and strategies (based on scientific research) that are effective in building resiliency.


For dates and locations of workshops please go to announcements

For BC Teachers, please click here to register for a workshop………….

For more information on the Vitality* initiatives please email Lynn Hiscoe at lhiscoe@orgoc.ca