We are delighted that Julie will be speaking in New York this March as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit US.
We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Julie, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work US Summit in March. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Outstanding!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
EAPs are facing several challenges:
- Getting the message out to organizational leaders that EAPs offer an excellent return on investment. They help employees who then remain in their jobs, decrease absenteeism, and increase presentism.
- Getting the message to the public workforce that an EAP is available for you. USE THEM!
- And decreasing the stigma in discussing mental health challenges in the workplace.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that is moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
We see legal support for workplace mental health growing. Currently in Canada, there is a legislative effort to allow employees to sue employers for “Workplace psychological injury”. This may change the landscape of mental health discussions at work.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
I work for EAPA because an EAP helped save a relative’s life when they were suicidal and one helped get a good friend sober. They make a tremendous impact in individuals lives!
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in March?
I am looking forward to telling the EAP story and to clarifying to leaders on how to effectively use their EA Program to receive maximum ROI on the workforce.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
One where mental health challenges are on par with physical health challenges.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
- If you don’t have an EAP-consider getting one
- If you have an EAP-time to assess it and support it
- Time to change the culture to acceptance of mental health issues-NOT just on paper but in real life practices.
How has your organization been leading the way?
- EAPA has been partnering with other mental health organizations to increase positive legislation in areas of mental health.
- EAPA has been working to develop and support current and next generation of EAPs-there is a shortage which is only going to get worse.
- EAPA has been reaching out to media to increase the awareness of EAPs and the mission of a healthy workplace
Julie will be speaking in New York at the Wellbeing at Work Summit US which takes place both live and in-person in New York and Silicon Valley, and virtually for the wider region. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
