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Conference Session
A1: Promoting Workplace Psychological Safety: Peer Support as Personal Protective Equipment
Speakers | Dr. Shu-Ping Chen, Michelle Black, Nicholas Scott, Geraldine Rasmussen, Glen Devlin
Establishing a sense of trust and value among employees within a work team hinges on prioritizing workplace psychological health and safety. Unfortunately, nearly 20% of employed Canadians have indicated that their workplaces lack psychological safety. This type of environment can lead to mental distress, frequently manifesting as anxiety, depression, and fatigue. These hazards not only affect the employee but also negatively affect the organization by reducing the effectiveness of the employees and increasing workplace absence.
In response to these pressing challenges, we have forged HEAR US—a collaborative entity composed of individuals with firsthand experience of mental health challenges in the workforce, alongside researchers from the University of Alberta. Through our shared research journey, we have recognized peer support as a pivotal strategy to protect employees’ mental well-being and improve psychological safety in the workplace. We have developed a website where peers can access resources, peer support, and mentorship tailored to their unique needs to navigate workplace challenges. Our website also offers ways for employers to access resources to support employees with mental health challenges.
We invite you to join us and witness the impactful stories shared by our HEAR US team members. Through their testimonials, you’ll sneak-peak into how peer support has positively transformed their work lives, offering valuable insights that could potentially elevate your own work experiences. Your presence at our presentation could be an inspiring step towards enhancing well-being and collaboration in your workplace.
Speaker Biographies
Dr. Shu-Ping Chen (She/her)
Dr. Shu-Ping Chen is a professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta. One of her research interests is understanding and empowering marginalized communities to improve their well-being in their work contexts. She is passionate about research and her role as a professor at the University of Alberta.
Michelle Black (she/her)
Michelle Black is a peer navigator at e4c and has become a great advocate for people experiencing mental health challenges along her journey and has found a way to stay balanced. She has taken training to become a facilitator, and she has found her passion and niche in life by facilitating wellness courses at the Wellness Network Recovery College. She has published a book called “Do What You Love and Love What You Do!!!” which is an interactive workbook to heal and nurture your soul. In 2019 it became a Recovery College Course at the Wellness Network.
Nicholas (Nick) Scott (He/him)
Nick Scott is the Executive Director at On Site Placement (OSP) where he guides the organization. Nick strives to help OSP be a recognized leader in diversity and inclusion, improving the quality of life for individuals through their employment services and support.
Geraldine (Geri) Rasmussen (She/her)
Geraldine Rasmussen is a peer facilitator with CMHA. She launched two new courses at Prosper Place. She enjoys learning something new from every group she works with and engages her audience with her amazing sense of humor.
Glen Devlin (He/ him)
Glen Devlin, I am passionate about peer support and have about 35 years of experience in public speaking to increase awareness about mental health stigma. I also have a passion for motorcycles and storytelling. I enjoy being a member of HEAR US. This group has given me the ability to lead, follow, and feel accepted. It has given me confidence and well-being more than any other group I have been a part of.