Best practices in workplace mental health:: an area for expanded research

Abstract

Mental health, mental illness and the workplace is a timely topic. Many Canadian employers are recognizing the consequences for their bottom line of not addressing the issue. Dr. Stuart's paper was a thorough discussion of the topic of stigma. I suggested four points for consideration. First, the time may have come to substitute the word discrimination for stigma. It opens a rights and responsibilities dialogue that would be valuable. Also, employers and employees understand the term. Second, there are two populations to consider; those who want to enter the workforce, possibly for the first time, and those who want to stay in the workforce. Studying both populations' needs and experiences would yield new knowledge. Third, consider broadening the investigation scope to include instances where things are working (best practices). And finally, concentration only on anti-stigma programs would exclude other innovations.