Working together for a better workplace - A message from the Defence Team Mental Health co-Champions

October 03, 2022 - Defence Stories

Team, 

Every October, Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM) encourages workplaces across the country to focus on supporting the health and wellness of their people.
 
The Defence Team workplace is unique among departments and agencies across the wider Government of Canada. We are an operational team. We work on bases and wings, in high security locations, in kitchens, shop floors, research and development labs, offices, both here in Canada and on deployments and postings around the world.

No matter where we are located, and no matter what work we are doing to support Canadians, all workplaces carry their own challenges. As one Defence Team, we need to be mindful of the different experiences our many colleagues face as we pursue a healthier workplace.

Together for a Better Workplace

As your Defence Team Mental Health co-Champions, we want to draw attention to our shared responsibility to create a work environment across the DND/CAF where every person is treated with dignity and respect, and where the organization supports the physical and psychological health of all of its members by establishing systems and programs to achieve measurable improvement at work, home, and in the community.

Get involved

The pandemic has reminded us how vital it is to care for not only our physical and mental health, but to also look after the spiritual, social, financial, and familial aspects of our lives. This is easier said than done. If you’re looking for ideas or inspiration, we invite you to follow the official DND/CAF social media accounts and check out the Defence Team's CHWM web page throughout the month to:

• participate in weekly national virtual fitness classes, and in-person local fitness classes at select bases and wings hosted by Canadian Armed Forces Fitness;
• register for webinars on self-care and meaningful connections; and
• access the wide array of services and resources that are available for military members and public service employees to help build and maintain personal health and overall well-being.

October also marks the annual Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 2-9), and World Mental Health Day on October 10, and we look forward to being part of these important discussions. It’s an opportunity for each and every one of us to reflect on the well-being of one another, as well as actively think about how we can each contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of all Defence Team members.

Thanks team, 

Related links:

• Defence Team Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month web page
• Total Health and Wellness Strategy