While many workplaces across the country dedicate the first week of May to Safety and Health Week, it's equally important to remember that May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. At RRSC, we believe that psychological health is just as vital as physical safety in creating thriving, sustainable work environments.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health impacts how we think, feel, and interact with others. It influences how we manage stress, make decisions, and show up at work and at home. And yet, stigma, silence, and a lack of accessible support still prevent many Canadians from seeking the help they need.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. But 5 in 5 have mental health — and supporting it is everyone's responsibility.
A Canadian Focus: Mental Health Week
The first full week of May is officially Mental Health Week in Canada. This campaign, led by the CMHA, focuses each year on a different aspect of mental health. In 2024, the theme was “My Story,” encouraging Canadians to share their personal experiences as a way to break down stigma and build connection.
Even if Mental Health Week has passed, Mental Health Awareness Month offers a broader window for action, reflection, and support.
Ways to Support Mental Health in Your Workplace (and Beyond)
Here are five meaningful actions individuals and organizations in Canada can take during Mental Health Awareness Month:
1. Talk About It
Encourage open dialogue. Share resources in newsletters or on workplace bulletin boards. Consider holding a "mental health check-in" meeting or encourage leaders to speak openly about stress and well-being.
2. Promote Psychological Safety
Psychological safety means team members feel safe to express themselves without fear of negative consequences. At RRSC, we help workplaces assess and improve this through psychosocial hazard identification, employee surveys, and training in respectful communication.
3. Provide Training and Support
Equip leaders and employees with mental health first aid training or workshops on stress management, resilience, and work-life balance.
4. Audit Your Policies
Does your organization have a psychological health and safety policy? Is it aligned with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (CSA Z1003)? If not, now is the time to review your framework.
5. Share Resources
Post and circulate helpful links where employees can privately access help. Consider hosting an anonymous suggestion box for stressors affecting the team.
Helpful Canadian Mental Health Resources
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CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association)
www.cmha.ca
Offers region-specific information, toolkits, and resources for both individuals and employers. -
Wellness Together Canada
www.wellnesstogether.ca
Free online mental health and substance use support for people in Canada. -
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health (Canada Life)
www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com
Free tools for employers to improve mental health outcomes in their workplaces. -
MindBeacon (Ontario) or Alberta Health Services - Mental Health Resources
Depending on your province, many online and virtual services are now covered or partially subsidized.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to overlook mental health amid deadlines, deliverables, and demands. But whether you're a business leader, a safety professional, or just someone trying to get through the day — this month is a gentle reminder: You matter. Your mental health matters. And support is always available.
At RRSC, we're committed to creating psychologically healthy workplaces where safety is holistic, and health means more than physical injury prevention.
If you'd like help incorporating psychological health and safety into your workplace, feel free to connect with us — we’d be honoured to support you.
