Free practical resource kit to be sent to nearly 300 businesses and not-for-profits
Canada Life is backing a new initiative that aims to support good mental health among Canadian workers as they deal with the realities of COVID-19.
Through the newly launched Break Box initiative, 285 businesses and not-for-profits – including organizations that Canada Life works with year-round – will be receiving boxes of “thoughtfully designed, practical and educational resources” to aid in promoting good mental health at work and at home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.
The kits are to be prepared and sent in collaboration with Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, a leading source of free and practical tools and resources to deal with workplace mental-health issues, as well as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. ‘
“Many Canadians are facing stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and re-opening efforts,” said Mary Ann Bayton, director of Collaboration and Strategy, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. “Whether people are working from home or adjusting to a new work environment, taking a break can help support mental well-being by improving focus, decision-making, information retention and creativity.”
To disrupt the rut of today’s digital reality, the organization said it deliberately chose to distribute physical, tangible boxes of resources to Chamber of Commerce members and not-for-profits. They include:
- A checklist for leaders to help support employees during times of transition;
- Team activities for groups to talk openly about stress and cultivate healthy coping strategies;
- “Kudos cards” for teammates to recognize each other and boost morale;
- Fill-in-the-blank sticky notes that offer positive messages and ideas for stress management; and
- Therapeutic tools such as art therapy colouring pages and pencil crayons, a stress ball, and more.
“Supporting and nurturing positive mental health in our workplaces is an investment, one that improves all aspects of our businesses: productivity, profitability, and employee retention, among others,” said Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beaty. “Initiatives like Break Box are meaningful contributions to helping employees and business owners alike during a difficult time.”
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health is also hosting a free digital version of the box is also available, both in English and in French, on its website.
