When I first embarked on my career in the field of occupational health and safety (OHS) nearly 30 years ago, I never thought I would be specializing in psychological health and safety (PHS). As a field of practice, PHS didn’t yet exist. But as an OHS professional, a major part of the work was in dealing with issues that affected the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the people. Ensuring appropriate support for physical, mental or emotional health of workers was one of the most important things I did that helped to keep workers healthy, safe and productive.
I didn’t fully grasp the profound impact this work would have—not just on others, but on me personally. Today, I want to share why I’m passionate about this field and the incredible rewards it brings.
A Purpose-Driven Path
My personal mission is to make work a great part of life for as many people as possible. When I entered the field of OHS, I loved the focus on prevention – seeking to eliminate hazards in the workplace that could cause harm. I quickly learned that it was about so much more than physical health and safety. Throughout my career, as I dove into questions of how and why accidents were still happening, why people were getting injured and sick, and how to make changes in organizations, I found that perception was at the core of it all.
This work aligns with my personal values of love, responsibility, and justice. I’ve always seen work as a way to empower people to not only earn a living, but to create the quality of life they desire for themselves and their loved ones. Ensuring work can be done in a way that is healthy and safe while meeting the goals and expectations of the job not only provides people with income but is often coupled with a sense of satisfaction and pride in the work they do.
When people struggle mentally or emotionally because of their work, whether from daily interactions or the effects of the work itself, it can affect perceptions, focus, and communication, all of which can increase the risk of injury or disease. We spend so much of our lives at work, and I believe it should be a space that fosters well-being, collaboration, and resilience. This positive ripple effect extends beyond the office, enhancing employees’ overall quality of life. Seeing teams become more cohesive, engaged, and productive because of mental health initiatives is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.
The responsibility lies with us all, not only to support people if and when they struggle, but to take a hard look at what is causing or contributing to the problems. Sometimes these things are easy to spot and fix. However, there are often deeper currents within the culture that affect individual workers, teams, organizations or entire industries. Systemic causes cannot be addressed by simply adhering to rules or legislation. It requires addressing perceptions and beliefs so that the right things can be done to make work healthy and safe for everyone involved.
Collaboration and Community
I’m fortunate to work with a diverse group of passionate individuals—mental health specialists, psychologists, social workers, HR professionals, organizational leaders, union leaders and representatives, researchers, and others — who share a common goal: to promote mental well-being in the workplace. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, reinforcing the fact that together, we can make a difference. The creation of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, and work of so many people to help organizations with implementing it, are examples of the types of invaluable connections that inspire me to keep pushing boundaries and supporting leaders in making changes in their organizations.
Making a Lasting Impact
The work we do at Opening Minds embodies so much of what I love about this emerging field. Our mission, “To be the leader of evidence-based programs that promote mental wellness and resilience while eliminating stigma around the world” fits with my personal mission.
With ever-growing evidence of the positive impact that workplace mental health training and PHS programs, I know that I am contributing to a larger movement towards psychological well-being in workplaces everywhere. Every initiative, every workshop, and every conversation about mental health brings us closer to breaking down barriers and creating healthy, safe, and productive spaces for everyone. Knowing that my efforts can lead to lasting changes in an organization—and in individual lives—fuels my passion every single day.
Final Thoughts
Working in psychological health and safety is not just a job for me; it’s a calling. I’m proud to be part of a field that is redefining how we think about work, and what is possible. Together, we can create environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to flourish. I look forward to continuing this important work and witnessing the positive changes that lie ahead.
