Best Practices for Workplace Mental Health in 2025

Workplace mental health is now recognized as critical to organizational performance. In 2025, Canadian employers are addressing mental health proactively, guided by the 2025 National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety and modern digital tools (C. Muir, 2025).

Promoting Open Dialogue and Psychological Safety

Canada leads in promoting open conversations about mental health. Employers are training leaders in psychological safety, encouraging disclosure, and reducing stigma.

A healthy psychosocial safety climate (PSC) improves engagement, reduces absenteeism, and supports retention.

Leveraging Digital Tools and E-Learning

Employers are deploying e-learning platforms for mental health literacy: stress management, resilience-building, and crisis recognition Digital tools and online toolkits—such as the 2025 Workplace Mental Health Toolkit from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety—empower organizations to build supportive cultures with easily accessible resources.

Leadership Training in Psychological Safety

Manager-focused programs (e.g. CMHA’s “Not Myself Today”) are training leaders to identify mental health signs and create supportive environments 72% of Canadian employers now measure mental health outcomes like absenteeism and engagement to evaluate ROI on mental health investments.

Structured Mental Health Programs and Emergency Prep

Proactive crisis programs acknowledge that mental health crises are inevitable. Employers are implementing “Plan-Do-Check-Act” routines and ensuring easy access to mental health resources. Effective strategies include routine audits, stakeholder engagement, and clear mental health policies.

Hybrid Strategy: In-Person + Digital

Combining digital and face-to-face solutions, including live therapy via EAP, virtual check-ins, and digital chat support, is becoming standard across federal sectors and private firms.

Conclusion

In 2025, effective workplace mental health strategies depend on:

• fostering open communication and psychological safety

• leveraging digital and e-learning tools

• training leaders in mental health literacy

• implementing structured, measurable mental health programs

• blending in-person and virtual support systems

These practices help create environments where employees feel secure, valued, and supported. Organizations adopting these strategies report improved retention, reduced costs from absenteeism, and stronger workplace cultures.

References

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2025, January 23). Free Toolkit to Support Mental Health in the Workplace. CCOHS. en.wikipedia.org+3canada.ca+3benefitscanada.com+3benefitscanada.com+1hrnewscanada.com+1

Benefits Canada. (2025, March 14). Expert panel: Communication, technology shaping employers’ mental‑health strategies in 2025. Benefits Canada. benefitscanada.com

Howatt, B. (2024, November 12). Preparing workplaces for mental health challenges: A practical employer guide. HR News Canada. hrnewscanada.com

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2024, October 10). CMHA’s “Not Myself Today” enhanced e-Learning series for managers. CNW. newswire.ca

Canadian Mental Health Commission. (2023–2025). Workplace Mental Health. MHCC. mentalhealthcommission.ca

Canada.ca. (2024–2025). Federal Public Service Workplace Mental Health Strategy. Government of Canada. canada.ca+1canada.ca+1

Waddell, M., & Dollard, M. F. (2021). Psychosocial safety climate. In Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. en.wikipedia.org