Canadian HR Reporter Weekly

2 Canadian HR Reporter, a Thomson Reuters business 2018 CANADIAN HR REPORTER WEEKLY Alongside musculoskeletal injuries, mental health strug- gles are causal factors behind many disability leaves. And while employers have worked hard to improve on early intervention and return-to-work programs, dis- ability prevention amidst changing workplaces remains an issue requiring constant attention, according to Paula Allen, vice-president of research and integrative solutions at Morneau Shepell in Toronto. "All the risk factors are pointing to an increase over the next few years in these claims," she said. "e demands on an employee right now (versus) 15 years ago, or even five years ago, are vastly different, and in five years time will be more different as well." "e nature of jobs, how people do jobs, it's very personal. And that's really what's having the highest impact." Taking a digital approach to mental health therapy is an effective way for employers to address disability risk and return-to-work issues, said Allen, speaking at a recent conference in Richmond Hill, Ont., by Schedule 2 Employers Group. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is now available on real-time digital platforms, she said. For example, internet cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) provides counsellor-guided treatment that is personalized and suitable for a spectrum of mental health concerns. "is is not just a bright, shiny new toy," said Allen. "It is the most researched and one of the most effective interventions for a range of disorders." "It retrains your brain to respond to whatever the stressor is… in a way that's more productive." "It's skill building, it's learning, it's practical — which makes it empowering," she said. "Most people feel good about what they're acquiring, as opposed to feeling disempowered." Alternative to public system Digital therapy also provides an excellent alternative to psychological services provided by the public health sys- tem, according to Sam Duboc, CEO of Beacon, a digital mental health provider in Toronto. "Really, the public system is geared to those that are critically ill," he said. "If you're not critically ill, you have six-, 12-, 18-month wait times in certain cases." Digital therapy can fill that treatment gap for people suffering from mild to moderately severe mental health symptoms related to mood, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), said Duboc. "It can effectively treat those people in a way which removes all of the time and geographic barriers of normal treatment. CBT helps users ward off cycles of depression through teachings provided via readings, videos, thought records and homework, he said. "It teaches you how to stop that spiral… It teaches you how to pull yourself back up," said Duboc. "It teaches you how your thoughts and actions affect your emotions and, therefore, how to retrain your thoughts and re-task your thoughts, as well as your actions, to help better your emotions." With the help of a therapist, users are guided through readings and activities in an effort to reclaim control over situations, he said. Risk factors Organizational change often has a negative impact on the well-being of workers, though risk factors causing men- tal disorders range much more broadly, from chemical Digital cognitive behavioural therapy provides lifeline for busy employees Accessible, practical offerings also cost-effective for employers: Experts BY MARCEL VANDER WIER Sign up for the Canadian HR Newswire today for free and enjoy great content from the publishers of Canadian HR Reporter. HR News at Your Fingertips THE LATEST NEWS THE BEST COMMENTARY DELIVERED WEEKLY FOR READING ON ANY DEVICE Visit www.hrreporter.com/ canadian-hr-newswire

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