At work, mental health should not be hanging by a thread

Launch of CNESST social campaign on mental health

Simon works in an office. One morning, in his cubicle, he is on the phone and an angry customer shouts into the receiver. Confused, he takes off his headphones and tries to focus on his next task. Later that day, two colleagues mocked him and laughed at him after deliberately moving him. And his day is far from over!

At dinner time, Simon eats alone while his colleagues are gathered and laughing in groups a little further away. Sad and lonely, he decides to leave the room. In the evening, he makes a presentation to his team. His colleagues all ignore him, talking among themselves and looking at their phones. He then decides to take shelter in the toilet. He has only one wish in his mind: because today ends!

And when he finally leaves the office at the end of his day, he is a shadow of his former self. Simon is completely devastated and devastated. He is also afraid that if nothing is done, this situation will repeat itself the next day, the day after that and the next week.

Fortunately, in this case, Simon’s manager implemented the policy for the prevention and management of psychological harassment, which the employer had adopted, and took action. She met him and discussed his situation. Simon felt that he was listened to, understood and supported.

A new awareness campaign

Too many workers experience these types of stories every day. That’s why the Commission for Standards, Equality, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) is launching an awareness campaign under the theme “At work, your psychological health shouldn’t hang by a thread” “.

This aims in particular to raise awareness among the population of Quebec about behaviors and events that may affect mental health at work, and the consequences that these may cause. Regardless of the category of activity, the psychosocial risks associated with work are real, as are those for physical health.

The awareness campaign will run from November 11, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Advertising messages will be broadcast on traditional and digital television. Radio messaging and other means of communication will be added such as business placements, social media posts and signage near office towers.