Specific, tailored actions designed to limit mental illness in the workplace
MONTREAL, April 15, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Implementing preventive measures adapted to each company's unique culture would help reduce mental health issues in the workplace. This is one of the conclusions of the SALVEO study undertaken by researchers at the Université de Montréal, in collaboration with researchers at Concordia University and the Université Laval, and with the support of Standard Life in Canada. These conclusions were presented at the Rassemblement pour la santé et le mieux-être en entreprise, an event that focuses on health and wellness in the workplace.
Beginning in 2011, the researchers interviewed over 2,100 workers from 63 organizations to analyze both the personal and professional factors that could lead to the development of psychological distress, depression and burnout. They examined different factors, including work schedules and workload, management policies, supervision styles, married and family life, alcohol consumption, and self-esteem, which were identified as triggers or inhibitors in the development of psychological distress, depression or burnout.
After preparing a diagnosis for each company, the researchers developed intervention programs tailored to each company's working environment and culture.
"Our study clearly shows that an action plan needs to be developed based on each company's specific issues. The same formula cannot be applied to each situation; a more in-depth approach is required. Progress must be evaluated regularly and factors that may arise along the way need to be taken into consideration in order to modify the approach if necessary," noted Pierre Durand, co-lead, along with Alain Marchand, on the study at the Université de Montréal.
"We can use the precise data on risk factors identified in the SALVEO study to optimize our health and wellness programs by specifically targeting what triggers mental health problems in the workplace," explained Emmanuelle Gaudette, Prevention and Health Promotion Manager. "Our customers will be better equipped to select a program for their company."
Notes to Editors
- The study was funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé, and conducted over a period of more than four years with 2,162 workers from all sectors.
- The initial conclusions of the SALVEO study and how they apply when implementing a health and wellness program were outlined in scientific publications by the research team. Standard Life also included them in its corporate publication, entitled Improving workplace mental health.
- The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that, every year, approximately one out of five employees (21.4% of Canada's working population) suffers from a mental illness that potentially affects his or her productivity at work. Lost productivity related to absenteeism, presenteeism (when a worker is physically present but unproductive) and turnover costs Canadian companies $6.3 billion.
About Standard Life
Standard Life provides long-term savings, investment and insurance solutions to more than 1.4 million Canadians, including group retirement and insurance plan members. It has 2,000 employees, and the main operating subsidiaries in Canada are The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada and Standard Life Mutual Funds Ltd.
The Canadian operation of Standard Life plc, its parent company, is the largest outside the United Kingdom. Headquartered in Scotland, Standard Life plc has around six million customers worldwide and operates in the UK, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Standard Life plc had $429.7 billion in assets under administration, including $48 billion in Canada, as at December 31, 2013.
SOURCE: Standard Life
Anne-Julie Gratton
514-499-7999 or 1-877-499-9555, ext. 8150
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