b'ON AVERAGE, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ACCOUNT FOR 70 PER CENT OF ALL DISABILITY CLAIMS IN CANADA. (DELOITTE, 2019)3. INCREASE MENTAL HEALTH COVERAGE IN WORKPLACE BENEFIT PLANS The average value of workplace benefits for those fortunate enough to have them is$750per yearan amount that is used up in just a handful of visits with a therapist.OASW is calling on employers to introduce stand-alone mental health coverage in their group plans worth a minimum of$1,500per employee. Thebenefits to organizations of additional mental health care include increased productivity, higher employee engagement and, ultimately, more profitability.Historically, theres never been a bigger need for these benefits, says Sur. We would like to see Canadian business leaders step up by doubling mental health benefits to a minimum of$1,500. If you dont have them, introduce them. And do it now. Your organization and its most important assetits peoplewillbenefit.4. CREATE AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE We have to realize that racialized people and other marginalized groups experienced the pandemicand its associated mental health impactsdifferently than others, says Sur. If your company doesnt have a plan to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, now is the time to introduce one. We need to create spaces to increase conversation about anti-racism efforts and our responsibility as leaders in driving organizational change and accountability on this, says Sur.5. DOUBLE DOWN ON COMMUNICATION Without clear communication, employees are three times more likely to report burnout. Business leaders and their employees will need to communicate consistently to build trust.At OASW, we talk about creating a culture of conversation, says Sur. Those conversations about mental health and well-being should be happening at every level.Workplace leaders should initiate informal and formal conversations by asking how people are doing, making time in team meetings for authentic check-ins and ensuring their teams have important information about mental health supports in theworkplace.To learn more, visit www.oasw.org. ACCESS CANADA FALL/WINTER2022/23 15'