Define psychological health and safety
Understand what psychological health and safety is, and what it is not.
Learn core principles and practical strategies to create psychologically safe workplaces that support employee wellbeing and engagement.
About this Talk
Psychological Health and Safety is a growing priority for organizations, but many teams still need clarity on what it actually means and how to approach it effectively. This foundational session introduces what psychological safety truly means, while exploring its critical link to employee mental health and organizational culture.
In this session, participants will learn how PHS aims to protect and promote emotional wellbeing by creating environments where employees feel safe to speak up, engage, and grow without fear of retaliation or harm. Attendees will discover why PHS programming does not need to be complex – it only needs to be intentional.
Dr. Howatt will outline core considerations for creating a basic PHS program designed to protect and support employees. The session will also discusses why psychological safety programs require two-way accountability between employer and employees to be successful, and key considerations when building a basic PHS program/workplace mental health strategy.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Attendees leave with practical, evidence-based skills they can apply immediately.
Understand what psychological health and safety is, and what it is not.
Learn about the workplace factors, hazards, and controls that affect emotional well-being.
Explore the basic elements involved in developing a thoughtful PHS approach or program.
Leave with a clearer lens for thinking about culture, leadership, and workplace mental health protection.
SESSION BREAKDOWN
The session begins by defining psychological health and safety and distinguishing it from related concepts that are often misunderstood.
Participants explore the workplace conditions that can either protect or undermine emotional well-being and psychological safety.
This section outlines the practical considerations involved in creating a more intentional and effective organizational approach to PHS.
Your Speaker
Ph.D., Ed.D.
Dr. Bill Howatt is an internationally recognized authority on workplace mental health with more than 30 years of clinical experience supporting employers, HR teams, and psychological safety initiatives. A researcher, author, and practitioner, he is known for delivering evidence-based, highly practical insights that help organizations build healthier, more resilient workplaces.
Dr. Bill is the former Chief of Research, Workforce Productivity, at The Conference Board of Canada, and the former Chief of Research and Development, Workforce Productivity, at Lifeworks. He has created the senate approved Certificate in Psychologically Safe Leadership and Certificate in Management Essentials, Pathway to Coping and Mental Fitness through the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Bill is the Chair of the CSA Technical Committee on the Management of Impairment Standard, CSA Technical Committee Member for the Psychological Health and Safety Standard and is a member of the CSA Strategic Steering Committee for Occupational Health and Safety. Dr. Howatt completed his B.Sc. Physical Education, B.A., M.Ed. Counseling Psychology, M.Sc. Clinical Psychology, and his Ph.D.s in Counselling Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ed.D., He also completed a Post Doctorate Behavioral Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Dr. Howatt openly shares his personal challenges with mental health and neurodivergence in his recently published book, Stop Hiding and Start Living: How to Say F-it to Fear and Develop Mental Fitness. He is the author of over 50 books and 500 articles, including a regular column with Talent Canada, OHS Magazine, The Chronicle Herald, HR News Canada and The Globe and Mail. His approach to workplace mental health is not only evidence-based, but also grounded in lived experiences, making it both practical and relatable.
KEEP EXPLORING
Let’s discuss your needs and find the perfect fit to bring wellness to your team.
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