NAV Canada lauded for employee mental health program
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Nav Canada's mental health program has seen declines in short-term and long-term disability associated with mental health
OTTAWA—NAV Canada was honoured to receive the C.M. Hincks Award from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Each year the award is given to an organization or individual that has advanced mental health through their work/volunteer activities in the area of reducing stigma and discrimination, addressing social justice and the social determinants of health, and maintaining and/or improving mental health for all.
NAV CANADA offers a wide range of programs, activities and incentives to support employee health and well-being, including an innovative approach to improving the psychological health of employees. In 2012, it became one of the first private sector companies in Canada to implement a mental health peer support program.
“We were extremely impressed with the many workplace mental health initiatives that NAV Canada provides,” said Peter Coleridge, CMHA National CEO. “One of these which is particularly noteworthy is the Company’s pioneering work around mental health peer support, with significant involvement by employees.
“It’s time that we employers understand that ‘one-size’ management of mental health issues no longer makes any sense,” Richard Dixon, NAV Canada vice-president and human resources officer.
“What we need are compassionate, caring workplaces where people can be free to say, ‘I need to talk,’ and know that there is someone non-judgmental who is ready and willing to listen, provide genuine empathy, and help them to explore their options, based on a shared experience.”
Since the mental health peer support program was introduced, Nav Canada has seen declines in short-term and long-term disability associated with mental health absences.
NAV Canada provides private sector civil air navigation services. With operations from coast to coast to coast, The company handles air traffic control, flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information services, airport advisory services and electronic aids to navigation.
