Tough Enough To Talk About It

Authors: Tracy Golnick, Program Coordinator, Tough Enough to Talk About It

Psychological harm and injuries can be just as debilitating and fatal as physical injuries. Building skills and increasing confidence in having tough conversations saves lives. Research shows that a positive approach to psychological health and safety leads to improved outcomes for businesses and employees, outcomes like increased productivity, and lower rates of staff turnover. It increases creativity and innovation; production improves along with better recruitment and increases in employee loyalty. All equaling an overall increase in profitability. The Tough Enough To Talk About It program was developed in the late 1990’s to work towards reducing the rate of suicide within the trades, industry and agriculture sectors.  

The Tough Enough To Talk About It program reduces the stigma surrounding mental health, talking about mental health and getting help. It provides information to those who interact with someone who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well being; information about how to identify and understand mental well being, skills to increase confidence in what to say and do and building the participants ability to identify resources for getting help. Tough Enough To Talk About It encourages conversations, increases awareness of mental wellness and encourages individuals to start crucial and sometimes tough mental health conversations.  

In addition to our 1hr Virtual Workplace presentation, Tough Enough To Talk About It also offers seminars designed for employees in leadership roles and incorporates key standards from the CSA-Z1003-Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. The seminar also includes additional skill building on declining mental well being, safely responding, and the role of supports and resources. Participants have the opportunity to develop risk management skills and ability to promote mental well being to improve the overall health and safety of their workplace.

Does your workplace encourage tough conversations? Does your workplace recognize the importance of protecting your psychological safety? Is your workplace Tough Enough To Talk About It?