The world of work is changing. Employees, clients, and communities are looking more closely at what organizations stand for, not just in what they produce, but in how they treat people. Mental health has become a defining part of that story.
That’s why Opening Minds is preparing to launch the Workplace Mental Health Verification (WMHV) program. This new initiative gives organizations, including small businesses, a clear way to start or strengthen their mental health strategy. More importantly, it helps create a culture shift: one where mental health is not only supported inside the workplace but also recognized as a value that attracts future employees, partners, and clients who share the same priorities.
Why This Matters
Mental health is no longer a “nice to have.” It is fundamental to how we do business. WMHV provides a credible signal of commitment at every level:
- For employees, it’s a message that their well-being is not negotiable—it’s central to how the workplace operates.
- For future talent, it’s a marker that says: this is a place where you can thrive.
- For partners and clients, it’s proof that values and culture are as important as performance.
This is about more than recognition. It’s about building resilience, productivity, and trust. When organizations make mental health a visible priority, they unlock the potential of their people, and their business.
Developed With Workplaces in Mind
The WMHV program was not designed in isolation. It was built in close collaboration with organizations across sectors, including those in the trades, where practical solutions and cultural shifts often need to go hand in hand.
As Tiana Field Ridley, Innovation Manager, Portfolio & Brand Management explains: “We developed this program in close consultation with organizations and workplaces in the trades and other sectors. There is a clear market need, and we are excited to be able to meet it with something that is both credible and achievable for employers.”
A Culture Shift We Can All Lead
WMHV isn’t just another checkbox. It’s about embedding mental health into the DNA of how we work—through policies, leadership, and everyday practices.
- Inside organizations, it creates healthier, more resilient teams.
- Across industries, it drives a values-based approach to leadership.
- In the marketplace, it signals that mental health is a competitive strength as much as a moral commitment.
Be Among the First
The launch of the Workplace Mental Health Verification program is a chance to move from conversation to action. It’s an opportunity for organizations to lead with their values, show commitment to their people, and set a new standard for success.
When your workplace becomes verified, you’re not just earning recognition, you’re joining a growing community of organizations that are reshaping the culture of work in Canada and beyond.
Be among the first to step forward. Lead by showing how you lead. And demonstrate that mental health isn’t just something you support, it’s something you stand for.
Because in the future of work, mental health isn’t a side benefit. It’s the foundation.