What is Guarding Minds @ Work?

Guarding Minds @ Work (GM@W) is a free, evidence-based strategy that helps employers protect and promote psychological safety and health in their workplace. GM@W provides a comprehensive set of resources that employers can use to easily assess and address 12 psychosocial risk (PSR) factors known to have a powerful impact on organizational health, the health of individual employees, and the financial bottom line. The 12 PSRs were identified by researchers from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University on the basis of extensive research and review of empirical data from national and international best practices. In addition, the factors were determined based on existing and emerging Canadian case law and legislation. Guarding Minds @ Work is available to all employers - large or small, in the public or private sector - at no cost.

GM@W is a response to current and emerging legal requirements in Canada for the protection of employee mental health and the promotion of civility and respect at work. Legal standards increasingly require employers to develop comprehensive strategies for ensuring a psychologically safe workplace. Prudent employers need to develop policies and programs that meet these new legal standards.

GM@W includes an organizational audit, multiple employee surveys, action tools, and evaluation templates.