Wellness at work for leaders

As a manager, you play an important role in creating an inclusive, supportive and barrier-free workplace. Being responsive and proactive towards those within your team who require workplace accommodation are two stand-out qualities of an exemplary leader. Knowing how to best manage an employee’s absence due to illness can be challenging, but your Wellness at Work Team is available to help.

Learn more about programs and services available to support employees requiring workplace accommodation or when there is a planned or unexpected need for them to take time away from work due to medical reasons:

• Accessibility
• Disability Management Programs

All accidents, injuries, and incidents (including near misses), must be reported within 24 hours after the incident.  Familize yourself with the Supervisor's role and responsibilities listed below, and the Incident Management Procedure.

• Ensure that the Accident Injury Form is completed 24 hours of becoming aware of the injury.
• Respond to incidents immediately, including obtaining emergency medical attention for a worker, if necessary.
• Ensure proper record and submission of the Accident Injury Form.
• Conduct incident investigations alongside Environmental, Health and Safety Officer.
• Identify causes and corrective actions for hazards.
• Implement corrective actions to eliminate or reduce hazards.
• Address workplace hazards or potential health and safety concerns, as identified through workplace inspections or by workers.
• Request additional assistance or expertise from the Environmental, Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) as needed.

Did you know that our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides manager-specific orientation sessions? You'll learn about the services available to all employees and how to activate manager-specific tools such as Manager Consultations.

Orientation options:

• One Minute Mini Orientation for Managers (video recording)
• Virtual Orientations: Manager sessions are held live. Select the date within the Orientation Flyer that you would like to attend to register.

After an incident* occurs, check in with your team, and remind them of the mental health and well-being supports and resources that are available to them.  Keep in mind that there are a wide range of reactions that employees may experience.

*What is perceived as concerning or a stressful incident will vary by each individual or team, such as changes in the workplace, world events, or the loss of a team member or team member’s family member.

If you believe your team could benefit from an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) group session, please follow these steps to arrange the session:

1. Determine with your team when to hold the session:
   • Date
   • Time
   • Length of session
   • Virtual or in-person format
     
     
2. Contact Elise Arbic, Employee Health and Wellness Manager, elise.arbic@ontariotechu.ca or via phone, 905.809.0727, with the above information and an overview of what has prompted the organize of this session.
   
   
3. Elise will contact our EAP provider, TELUS Health, determine counsellor availability to meet with your team, and notify you once the session is scheduled.
   
   
4. Notify your team when the group session has been organized and how they can participate, should they wish to do so. Participation is voluntary.

Note: Fees associated with these sessions will be covered by the Wellness at Work team. 

Mental health support is crucial for fostering a positive work environment, increasing productivity, and promoting overall well-being among employees.

The Leader Toolkit has been created to provide resources for leaders to effectively support the mental health of their teams from everyday interactions, responding during a crisis, and supporting your well-being.

Gain knowledge to identify shifts in mental well-being in yourself and others while learning coping skills to manage stress.  Increasing our awareness about mental health will help reduce stigma associated with mental illness. 

Managers will receive The Working Mind for Employee version plus additional content about supporting your team including:

• Having healthy conversations.
• Return to work and accommodation.
• Helping your team through crisis management.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Visit the events, initiative and training web page to register for an upcoming training session today.