The WorkAbility Bulletin

Your source of up-to-date news, information, and resources in the world of Mental Health and Employment in Canada.

The Winter Blues

As winter sets in, many employees may experience a shift in their mood, energy, and motivation. In Canada, approximately 25-35% of individuals are impacted by the Winter Blues, while 10-15% experience mild symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and 2-3% suffer from more severe forms of SAD. Women are particularly affected, experiencing SAD at rates 4 times higher than men, with onset typically occurring between the ages of 18-30.

As a leader, it's essential to understand the impact of these seasonal changes on your team’s well-being and productivity. Here are several ways you can support your employees who may be experiencing the Winter Blues/SAD:

  • Check-in regularly to understand their needs.

  • Encourage time off for rest and recovery.

  • Facilitate team bonding activities.

  • Provide mental health resources and training.

  • Encourage regular breaks to reduce stress and improve focus.

Scottatmachine. (2020, January 13). Winter blues vs seasonal affective disorder: What’s the difference? CMHA National

2024 Stats & Upcoming Legislation Changes

New Labour Code Changes

In September 2024, Bill-C378, an act amending the Canadian Labour Code was passed. This bill allows former employees more time to make a formal complaint relating to harassment or violence in the workplace, and could benefit individuals with disabilities.

New Stats on Canada’s Mental Health Spending

In November 2024, CMHA released a first-of-its-kind report on supports and spending on Mental Health in Canada.
‘THE STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN CANDA 2024: Mapping the Landscape of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health’ explores the picture of mental health across the country, and explores areas of much needed improvement.

New Employer Recommendations from the Disability Inclusion Business Council

The Disability Inclusion Business Counsel (DIBC) released a new report on Disability Inclusion in the Canadian Workplace in November 2024.
The report discusses the need for a cultural shift driven by leadership at all levels in workplaces and offers six recommendations for businesses to lead with inclusion:

  1. Champion a culture of inclusion and provide training opportunities regarding disability and accessibility awareness and sensitivity to all employees, particularly people managers.

  2. Adopt inclusive design approaches to meet and exceed accessibility standards.

  3. Adopt accommodations approaches that offer employees accommodations and adjustments by default, rather than relying upon disclosure

  4. Ensure fully inclusive environments throughout the full employee life cycle.

  5. 5. Ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) and technology used in the workplace is ethical and accessible by design.

  6. Set standards and goals and measure performance to increase accountability.

Want More?

The above information is offered with our quarterly newsletter, supporting employers with up to date resources and reports on Mental Health and Employment and upcoming WorkAbility opportunities.

The above and past issues are available below in PDF form