Case Study: Canada WSIB achieves improved workplace mental health and empowered leaders with TELUS Health LifeWorks training

WSIB empowers leaders to improve workplace wellbeing with mental health training

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), which employs about 4,500 people across Ontario, faced unique front-line stressors that demanded stronger supports for both physical and psychological health. To better protect employee wellbeing, the organization committed to a coordinated mental health approach addressing prevention, education and support.

WSIB launched a multi-year strategy in 2016 based on the National Standard’s 13 workplace factors and rolled out services including 12 wellness days, up to $3,000 in counselling, Respect@Work/resiliency training, a province-wide peer support program and the LifeWorks EFAP — alongside a mandatory Workplace Mental Health Leadership™ Certificate for all people leaders. The approach increased EFAP utilization (from 20.66% in 2016 to 26.40% by 2018), boosted peer-support interactions (46 to 76), and earned Excellence Canada silver (2018), gold (2019) and the 2019 Order of Excellence, while improving overall employee engagement and mental health.

Canada WSIB