Mental Wellness Resources for Workplace Leaders | Thunder Bay District Health Unit

As a workplace leader, it’s important to recognize how mental health and workplace environments impact each other. It makes good business sense to do what you can to protect and promote the psychological health of your workers.

Follow the links below for information on various topics related to employee mental health and the mental health services that are available to help when needed.

[ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Comprehensive Resources for Mental Health in the Workplace[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Mental health road map provides all the tools you need to create and implement a psychological health and safety strategy at your workplace.
Think Mental Health provides business owners with the resources needed to better understand and prevent mental health problems.
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health provides credible and evidence-based tools and resources to help with the prevention, support and management of workplace mental health issues.
Guarding Minds at Work offers resources designed to assess, protect and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Mental Health Works provides a variety of capacity building workshops and resources on workplace mental health.
Healthy Minds @ Work offers information and resources to employers and employees on various topics related to workplace mental health.
Workplace Safety North provides a variety of mental health resources including videos, articles, posters, and links to much more.
Public Services Health and Safety Association offers program planning resources to support worker well-being and decrease the risk of work-related psychological injury or illness.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

The National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace is being updated. A new edition has been drafted and is in the public consultation stage until December 16, 2025. To review the draft and provide comments for the Technical Review Committee, visit CSA Group National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, New Edition (draft review).

Psychological health and safety in the workplace – prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation (Canadian Standards Association, 2013) outlines the Standard, its voluntary guidelines, tools and resources on promoting psychological health and preventing psychological harm due to workplace factors.
Assembling the pieces – an implementation guide to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Canadian Standards Association, 2014) is a step-by-step guide for implementing the Standard.
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Mental health road map provides all the tools you need to create and implement a psychological health and safety strategy at your workplace.
Have That Talk for Workplaces offers a video series highlighting the thirteen factors in the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Each video has a facilitator's guide to help get the conversation started.
Mental Health Commission of Canada provides promising practices for implementing the Standard, testimonials, case study research project findings and implementation resources.
StressAssess Workplace Edition is an online survey tool designed for workers and managers who are interested in assessing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, to anonymously, collectively and confidently identify issues.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) offers online courses and resources to promote healthy minds at work.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]The Business Case for Workplace Mental Health[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health considers the costs of a psychologically unsafe workplace, the legal trends, statistics and more.
The Health Case by Mental Health Works discusses mental illness as everyone’s concern, contradictions between staff and management, dealing with stigma and more.
Guarding Minds at Work examines how compromised employee psychological health can have a range of negative effects on organizations, the positive impacts of a psychologically healthy and safe workforce and other ideas for building a business case.
Think Mental Health lists the many ways that a business’s bottom line is affected by the mental health of staff and offers The legal case for investing in workplace mental health.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Leadership Tools[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health:

Mindful Employer Canada teaches leaders practical tools and strategies that address workplace issues and improve workplace mental health.
Canadian Mental Health Association
- Mental Health Works workshops

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Allyship with Indigenous Workers[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

The Accidents of Allyship: Understanding the Unintended Consequences of Advocacy (Koru Training and Consulting) [3MB Word document]
A Way Forward - Ontario’s Path Towards Economic Reconciliation, Equity and Inclusive Growth, Part I: Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples (Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business)
Skills for Inclusive Workplaces and the Advancement of Indigenous Peoples (Canadian Council for Indigenous Business)
Indigenous Ally Toolkit (Montreal Indigenous Community Network)

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Workplace Mental Health Accommodation[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health provides an overview of the legal duty to accommodate and provides ideas and strategies.
Mental Health Works:
The Ontario Human Rights Commission explains the Ontario Human Rights Code and employers’ duty to accommodate
The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT) helps workers with chronic and episodic conditions—and the workplace parties who support them—identify accommodations tailored to job demands that allow workers to successfully stay in their jobs.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Supporting Employees[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health articles on various ways to support employees:
- Practical strategies and tools for leaders to respond to a wide range of workplace and personal concerns, like grief, trauma, burnout, dementia, impairment and substance use and suicide.
- Supporting return to work success
- Resolving conflict
- Helping employees manage change
- Supportive performance management
- Leadership Crisis Response

Addressing substance use in the workplace:
Ontario: Drugs, alcohol and workplace health and safety
When an employee has a substance-related problem by Mental Health Works
Substance Use in the Workplace by Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Ontario Human Rights Commission Policy on Drug and Alcohol Testing
Impairment and addiction response for leaders by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health

Don't Duck the Conversation - Workplace Toolkit on Grief and Bereavement – offered by Hospice Northwest, this workplace toolkit helps organizations and businesses navigate grief and bereavement in the workplace. This toolkit can help by ensuring policies and procedures are in place before they are needed, empowering management to better react to loss, and increasing grief literacy in employees and management. It is designed to support in two main scenarios: If an employee dies or if an employee is grieving a loss. It includes information and resources, training materials, checklists, and email templates.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Suicide Prevention in the Workplace[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Let’s change how we think and talk about suicide. It’s time to challenge harmful myths, stigma and judgment so that we can create safe spaces for people to speak up and seek help when they are in distress. As we shift from silence and misunderstanding towards a culture of compassion, openness and empathy, we will save lives. We will prevent the profound losses that take a social, emotional, and economic toll on families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities. Suicide is preventable. Explore the resources below to learn more.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th each year. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about suicide prevention and how to support those who may be struggling, honour survivors and remember those who have died.
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace Guide developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada offers tips to navigate difficult conversations about suicide
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
- Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Response for Leaders
Centre for Suicide Prevention
- How Do I Talk to Someone Thinking About Suicide - Video
- Buddy Up – A Men’s Suicide Prevention Communications Campaign
Suicide intervention training by Living Works

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Addressing Stigma[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Begin the conversation to build awareness and address stigma by Think Mental Health
Framework to help eliminate stigma by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
The Working Mind education program offered by the Mental Health Commission of Canada

Not Myself Today by Canadian Mental Health Association
Substance use and stigma information and resources by TBDHU
Substance Use in the Workplace: Addressing Stigma (free, 30-minute online course) by Workplace Safety and Prevention Services

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Support for Small Businesses[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Mental Health Guide for Small Businesses by Workplace Safety North
Work resilience for the self-employed by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
Working Towards Mental Health Toolkit by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Union Resources[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
- Union and Management Cooperation
- Union Support for Accommodation

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Mental Health Promotion for Employees[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Not Myself Today by Canadian Mental Health Association
Healthy Break Activities by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
Encourage work/life balance with tips from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
Mental Health Week an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association
A Call to Be Kind Compassion Toolkit, which includes information on how to create a compassionate workplace culture, from the Canadian Mental Health Association
Mental Health Commission of Canada series of 13 posters, one for each of the psychosocial factors of the National Standard, customizable for organizations to promote initiatives that support psychological health and safety in the workplace.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Mental Health Promotion for Specific Sectors[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Your Health Space for health care professionals
Infrastructure Health and Safety Assocation Workplace Mental Health Resources for construction, utilities, and transportation
Workplace Safety North Mental Health in the Workplace Resources for mining and forestry[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM][/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM]

[ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Services: Education and Skill-building[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Canadian Mental Health Association offers workshops and training that provide information and education on mental health, mental illness and recovery
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to improve mental health literacy and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague. MHFA training is offered through certified instructors.
Thunder Bay Counselling offers corporate training and workshops which are available to employers to assist employee groups in building skills, increasing awareness and knowledge about issues that affect all aspects of our lives.
Workplace Safety North offers workplace mental health training by certified psycholgoical health and safety advisors. Browse the various sessions being offered.
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit organization offering health and safety expertise and resources to protect Ontario workers and businesses. Explore the Training and Events offered on Workplace Mental Health.
Wellness Together Canada provides free education resources on a variety of mental health and substance use topics.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Bulletin Board Kits, Help Cards and Other Resources[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Bulletin board kits are available to any worksite in Thunder Bay or across the district at no charge. Each kit comes with all the pieces ready to be cut out. They also come with help cards and tip cards, along with plastic holders to attach them to the board. A diagram of the board design is provided as well to assist with the assembly. The worksite provides the tacks and the empty board space. A space of 4' x 6' is ideal, but the pieces can be positioned closer together if the area is smaller. Print files of the kits are also linked below for workplaces where it is more suitable to print the kits for themselves. In this case, TBDHU will still provide the supplementary resource cards and holders upon request. View the Bulletin Board Kit Assembly Instructions [PDF].

Click on the links to see what each board contains:

Workplace Mental Health Toolkit: Interested in supporting mental health at work, but don't know how to get started? Download the Superior Mental Wellness @ Work toolkit [PDF] with helpful information and resources. Hard copies of the toolkit are also available,

Help Cards: Business card-sized help cards are available to workplaces at no charge. These cards list some key mental health crisis services available. There is a space on the inside to write in the contact information of an employee assistance program provider. Place these cards in common areas or on a supervisor’s desk so they are handy if someone is in need of mental health support. Small acrylic card holders can also be provided for free. View the Superior Mental Wellness@Work Help Card [PDF]

Tip Cards: Information cards provide helpful tips for workplace leaders and employees on supporting mental health in the workplace. View the Superior Mental Wellness@Work Tip Card [PDF]

Get Real Photovoice Exhibit: Put this mobile art exhibit on display at your workplace. It features creative local photos that spark conversation about mental health at work. Click the Get Real Photovoice Project to learn more and to view the virtual exhibit.

Workplace Wellness Ebulletin: Receive regular updates on news related to local workplace wellness sent directly to your inbox! Be first in the know about upcoming education and training events, new workplace wellness resources, TBDHU workplace challenges and contests, and local workplace wellness research. To sign up, visit the TBDHU.com/workplaces page and complete the "Sign up for our newsletter" form.

To request resources for your workplace, download and complete the Workplace Wellness Resource Request Form (Word file), then email it to workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.

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Mental health crisis? Options for getting help.

Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room.
Contact Crisis Response in Thunder Bay: 807-346-8282
District of Thunder Bay: 1-866-888-8988
Text: 807-346-8282
Call or text 988 to reach Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. Visit 988.ca to learn more.
Contact Hope for Wellness at 1-855-242-3310 or chat online. This service is for all Indigenous people across Canada.
Call the Connex Ontario Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600.