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Moving to Action
Building Block 7:
Prevention
Prevention—Define how the employer will help
employees proactively gain knowledge and skills
to reduce mental harm and promote mental
health. These initiatives may include stigma
reduction campaigns, education about mental
health and substance use disorders,
communication strategies, and professional
development in micro skills that support mental
fitness and resiliency.
Why is this building block
important?
The World Health Organization defines health as
a "state of complete physical, mental, and social
well-being and not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity."
35
One needs to be aware of this
broad definition of health to be able to promote
mental health and prevent mental harm at work.
(See "What is required for an effective health
promotion program?")
Prevention of mental harm is a key tenet for
building an organization's psychological health
and safety. Preventing mental harm is what
employers and employees should be doing by
identifying psychological hazards before
someone is affected.
35 World Health Organization, "WHO Constitution."
What is required for
an effective health
promotion program?
Employee practices to promote physical
health include:
• physical activity
• adequate sleep
• smoking reduction
Employee practices to promote mental
health include:
• self-care
• resiliency and coping skills
• a positive sense of emotional and spiritual
well-being
Employee practices to promote social
well-being include:
• healthy relationships
• positive social connections at work
• social support
Source: Compiled by The Conference Board of Canada.
