QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - SSQ Financial Group is pleased to present Myally, a new and innovative service for its group insurance customers that complements SSQ's health and wellness program: Health InSight. In response to the needs expressed by many workplace managers, SSQ is introducing a structured program offering tangible solutions to counter the growing problem of workplace absenteeism related to mental health issues. In Canada, nearly 30% of all paid disability benefits are linked to mental illness.1
In partnership with Optima Global Health, the Myally program involves peers called "allies" who assist their co-workers as a preventive measure in cases of psychological distress. The program involves the deployment of a network of mental health allies in the participating workplace in order to identify co-workers showing warning signs of distress, lend an ear and provide them with support. The allies are trained and equipped to direct their co-workers in need to the appropriate support services.
"SSQ has always regarded prevention as an integral part of sound group insurance plan management," said Carl Laflamme, Senior Vice-President – Distribution at SSQ Financial Group. "With this confidential mutual assistance service, employees recognized for their empathy, discretion and good judgement will be equipped to provide timely assistance to their co-workers in need."
To ensure the highest level of competence, training will be provided by an experienced team of mental health professionals, supported by an online platform of specialized content: webinars and online training, videos, reference documents and articles, in addition to actual role-playing scenarios. The allies can also join discussion forums with professionals at Optima Global Health, who will support them in their efforts.
This new service is part of a more compassionate, structured and preventive approach to reduce costs related to mental health problems. SSQ was in fact the first insurer in Canada to offer a health and wellness program to its customers, and the first insurer in Quebec to obtain the Healthy Enterprise—Elite certification.
About SSQ Financial Group
With $11 billion in assets under management, SSQ Financial Group is a prominent mutualist diversified financial institution in Canada. It serves over 3 million customers and employs 2,000 individuals. The company is recognized for its leadership in the group insurance industry, and excellence and expertise in the general insurance, individual insurance and investment markets.
For more information, please visit ssq.ca.
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1 Government of Canada's Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety, Mental health, 2016.
SOURCE SSQ FINANCIAL GROUP
Danielle Rioux, 1-866-332-3806, [email protected]
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