The program aims to prevent absenteeism costs by enabling and training mental-health companions
SSQ Financial Group, a leader in the group insurance industry, has announced a new and innovative service to help its group insurance customers curb mental-health costs.
The program, called Myally, is designed to counter the growing problem of workplace absenteeism linked to mental health issues. According to a report from the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety, nearly 30% of all paid disability benefits are linked to mental illness.
With cooperation from Optima Global Health, the Myally program works with “allies,” who are able to assist their co-workers in cases of psychological distress. Allies are deployed in participating workplaces to identify co-workers who show warning signs, lend an ear, and provide necessary support. They will also be trained to direct co-workers in need to the appropriate support services.
“SSQ has always regarded prevention as an integral part of sound group insurance plan management,” said Carl Laflamme, senior vice president of Distribution at SSQ Financial Group. “With this confidential mutual assistance service, employees recognized for their empathy, discretion and good judgement will be equipped to provide timely assistance to their co-workers in need.”
Under the program, the allies will be trained by an experienced team of mental-health professionals, supported by an online platform of specialized content: webinars and online training, videos, reference documents and articles, as well as role-playing scenarios.
The allies will also be able to join discussion forums with professionals at Optima Global Health.
Related stories:
New study shows 40% of workers in Canada have suffered from depression
Fractured inter-provincial data a challenge for mental healthcare
The program, called Myally, is designed to counter the growing problem of workplace absenteeism linked to mental health issues. According to a report from the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety, nearly 30% of all paid disability benefits are linked to mental illness.
With cooperation from Optima Global Health, the Myally program works with “allies,” who are able to assist their co-workers in cases of psychological distress. Allies are deployed in participating workplaces to identify co-workers who show warning signs, lend an ear, and provide necessary support. They will also be trained to direct co-workers in need to the appropriate support services.
“SSQ has always regarded prevention as an integral part of sound group insurance plan management,” said Carl Laflamme, senior vice president of Distribution at SSQ Financial Group. “With this confidential mutual assistance service, employees recognized for their empathy, discretion and good judgement will be equipped to provide timely assistance to their co-workers in need.”
Under the program, the allies will be trained by an experienced team of mental-health professionals, supported by an online platform of specialized content: webinars and online training, videos, reference documents and articles, as well as role-playing scenarios.
The allies will also be able to join discussion forums with professionals at Optima Global Health.
Related stories:
New study shows 40% of workers in Canada have suffered from depression
Fractured inter-provincial data a challenge for mental healthcare
