October marks the 25th anniversary of Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM), a national initiative dedicated to promoting wellness, inclusion, and resilience in workplaces across the country. CHWM encourages employers across the country to make their employees’ wellbeing a priority through creating and maintaining workplace that supports all aspects of health, from physical to mental.
This year’s theme, “Unlocking Your Potential: Building Strength to Overcome Challenges,” couldn’t be timelier. Organizations throughout Canada continue to navigate changes in the economic landscape, adapt to hybrid work models, and support growing mental health needs. As such, the need for supportive, compassionate leadership and a healthy work environment has never been greater.
CHWM invites organizations of all sizes to make wellness in the workplace a top priority and contribute to a more resilient and stronger Canada.
Healthy workplaces aren’t just a “nice-to-have” item that’s good for morale—they’re essential for a company’s long-term success. Research shows organizations that make their employees’ well-being a priority see consistent improvements across their operations, including in:
When an individual’s well-being is taken care of, they can bring their best self to work. When this is widespread across an organization, everyone benefits.
CHWM 2025 encourages employers to take a proactive approach to employee well-being by focusing on four key pillars based on practical strategies that can truly benefit a workplace.
A growth mindset helps organizations improve their adaptability, resilience, and long-term success. It empowers their employees to innovate, encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities to improve. This mindset is especially beneficial in hybrid environments, where flexibility and self-direction are key elements of success.
Organizations can adopt a growth mindset in several ways:
Implementing these practices allow organizations to unlock greater productivity and a workforce equipped to meet challenges head-on.
Belonging is more than diversity in an organization. It is also about fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone working there feels they are seen, heard, and valued. An employee who feels as if they belong also feels their contributions are meaningful, they’re part of a shared mission, and ultimately, their presence matters.
Where belonging is a key component of a workplace’s culture, employees are more likely to bring their authentic selves to work and engage fully. The following are some ways that organizations can promote belonging at work:
In workplaces that prioritize inclusivity, teams see significant improvements in communication and cohesiveness. This leads to stronger collaboration, higher morale, and a workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
To truly be healthy, both physical and mental health must be considered, as both affect each other. As a result, forward-thinking organizations are embracing a more integrated approach to wellness, recognizing that supporting both mind and body is essential for a thriving, healthy workforce.
Mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and burnout can be mitigated through physical activity, social connection, and intentional rest. Likewise, physical health issues can be reduced or even prevented by alleviating workplace stressors and offering mental health resources.
Organizations can promote physical and mental synergy with small, consistent actions:
Implementing practices to support employee mental and physical health will help organizations see more engaged and productive employees. These employees will also be better equipped to handle not only their workload, but life outside the workplace as well.
When employees are stretched thin over extended periods, their creativity, productivity, and motivation can all drop dramatically. Additionally, employee turnover can see a sharp increase, which can influence an organization’s bottom line. Preventing burnout is key, which is where sustainable balance can help. Sustainable balance in a healthy workplace has several aspects to it. At a basic level, it includes managing calendars and, of course, meeting deadlines. However, it is about more than this.
Sustainable balance in the workplace means fostering an environment and practices that help employees manage their energy and workload, protect their mental health, and feel in control of their overall work-life balance. The following practices can help foster sustainable balance in the workplace:
Organizations that maintain sustainable balance in the workplace will see their employees show up with more energy and focus. It leads to improved productivity and overall healthier teams, as well as reduced turnover.
When organizations invest in employee well-being, they’re not just supporting individuals. They’re also making entire teams stronger, boosting performance, and setting the company up for long-term success.
Take part in Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month and take steps towards a healthier workplace today! Excellence Canada, which leads CHWM every year, has daily workplace wellness content available throughout the month. Additionally, consider launching an employee wellness program integrated with your corporate culture. To get started, contact a Cowan Benefits consultant for assistance.