Thrive Workshop: How offering mental health accommodations can help companies thrive

Mar 2, 2023

ARTICLE

When it comes to supporting your employees’ mental health, little empathy goes a long way.

It is a common misconception that providing accommodations in the workplace for a person who lives with mental illness is hard on employers.

But, as Tracy Hiltz, Provincial Lead of the Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division’s At Work program explains, an accommodation is really just a small adjustment – often temporary – that can make a significant impact.

“For example, for people who experience high anxiety, or live with an anxiety disorder, a lot of stimulation can be difficult and they may need a modified or flexible work schedule or time off for a psychiatric appointment.”

Hiltz will co-facilitate An Introduction to Mental Health Accommodations on March 21 with CMHA NS Education and Training Coordinator, Lindsay Miller. This free, one-hour virtual workshop is being offered through CMHA NS Division’s Thrive program. [Learn more about Thrive]

The workshop is aimed at helping employers understand what accommodations are, the benefits and cost of providing accommodations and outlines how to create a safe environment for those who do require accommodations to feel comfortable requesting them.

“It can be as simple as offering a workstation in a quieter location or providing noise-cancelling headphones,” Hiltz continues.

“The point is that this concept of accommodations may sound daunting – but it really isn’t. Most of the time, it is a case of little going a very long way.”

Hiltz, who lives with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] speaks from a place of lived experience.

“My employer offers mental health days, which we are encouraged to use when we need them. We work virtually so we have frequent check-ins and are encouraged to be honest if we’re feeling burned out, what our capacity is. And people respect that. Knowing that if I’m having a particularly hard day, I can talk to a colleague for five minutes and experience empathy. For me, it can make the difference between needing a day off or just taking a few extra minutes on my lunch hour and going for a walk. “

In turn, Hiltz says she is more resilient, more productive and can offer more holistic support to her clients.

WHILE WE HAVE YOUR ATTENTION…

Each of our paths to mental well-being will be unique. We all have our own goals, our own challenges, our own strengths, and our own supports. But we believe good mental health can be in everyone’s reach with the right support.

CMHA NS is proud to offer free programming to Nova Scotians across the province as well as affordable workplace mental health training to businesses and non-profit organizations.

About Thrive: Mental health. It wasn’t a class at school. So where can adults go to learn about mental health and well-being?

The answer is THRIVE Learning Centre for Mental Wellness and Well-being. THRIVE is a virtual learning centre where anyone can access free courses, webinars and workshops to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in their community.

Workshops are developed by subject experts and mental health professionals, who work with people who have their own experience in personal recovery.

Help us keep our programs free or low barrier. Support our work!

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but one thing remains clear: people need access to mental health care and support. CMHA NS is here to ensure that no one is alone on their mental health journey.

As a not-for-profit, CMHA NS relies on contributions from supporters across the province to help us perform our critical work advocating, educating and spreading awareness. There are many ways you can help! Keep Reading.