Mental illness and mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent in Canadian workplaces. Employers care about the health and wellbeing of employees but often feel unsure about how to support an employee who may be struggling with a mental health challenge or illness. This workshop increases awareness of mental illness in the workplace and provides tangible tools that small business owners, people leaders, and HR professionals can apply right away.

The following concepts will be explored:

• Identifying symptoms of burnout, a mental health challenge, or illness.
• The legal imperatives: Duty to Inquire and Duty to Accommodate.
• How to talk to an employee that you think might be experiencing a mental health challenge.
• How to separate struggling performance or “bad behavior” from illness.
• How to look after your own mental health (put your oxygen mask on first!).
• Practical tips and tools to apply in the workplace.

This workshop is part of a three-part series designed to support healthier, more inclusive workplaces:

1. A Leader’s Guide to Mental Health in the Workplace
   October 9, 2026 – Learn how to recognize and respond to employee mental health challenges
2. Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace: Why it Matters and How to Cultivate It
   November 6, 2026 – Build a culture where employees feel safe, supported, and heard
3. Workplace Mental Health: Moving from Reactive to Proactive to lmprove wellbeing and Reduce Costs
   January 15, 2027 – Prevent and address inappropriate behaviour and workplace conflict

Attend one session or all three to build a complete approach to culture, conduct, and employee support.

Kristin Bower

Partner, Leda HR (She/Her/Hers)

Annika Lofstrand

Partner, Leda HR (She/Her/Hers)

Facilitated by:

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Signature Partners:

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Community Sponsors:

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Partner:

This event is presented by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) Program. The DLC, an evolution of the Women's Leadership Council program, is an inclusive program that champions and advocates for leadership that best reflects the diversity of the Greater Vancouver region. The DLC focuses on addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to encourage allyship and enhance business innovation. The DLC is committed to investing in the participation and promotion of underrepresented groups, while supporting the business community to achieve their diversity and inclusion goals. Learn more boardoftrade.com/programs.