ABOUT THE THEME
CMHA BC is proud to host the 2023 Workplace Mental Health Bottom Line Conference: Learning From Each Other. This year’s program features expert keynote speakers and interactive workshops to improve workplace mental health for all, through the wisdom and experience of workers and leaders in industry, service, and government sectors. Additionally, we are proud to feature the 10-year anniversary celebration of the National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace.
We are honoured to know that our partners and community are committed to advancing mental health in the workplace. Join us to be empowered with the tools and knowledge to champion mental health and well-being in your workplace, whether you lead an organization, oversee a team, or work in collaboration with others.
General Bottom Line Conference Program | March 9 & 10
8:30 a.m. | Networking & Coffee
9:00 a.m. | Program Start
Late Afternoon | End of Day
More Program Details and Speakers Coming Soon!
OPENING REMARKS
Stacey Ferguson, of the Qayqayt First Nation
Minister Whiteside, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Representatives from Office of Mayor of New Westminster, Patrick Johnstone
KEYNOTES
No Psychological Health without Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
In this keynote, Dr. Ardiles will guide participants in unpacking assumptions, biases, and privileges in the workplace. She will share evidence on how freedom from racism, discrimination, and violence contribute to mental well-being and conclude with ideas on fostering a supportive workplace culture by building trust, inclusion and well-being.
Presenter
Dr. Paola Ardiles Gamboa, Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Health Sciences and Special Projects Advisor for the Vice-President of People, Equity and Inclusion at Simon Fraser University
Dr. Paola Ardiles Gamboa is a multiple award-winning practitioner scholar recognized for her innovative, collaborative, and inter-sectoral approaches in health promotion policy, practice, research, and education. Her interdisciplinary background includes a PhD in Social Innovation in Public Health from Torrens University (Australia), an MBA from Simon Fraser University, and from the University of Toronto an MHSc in Health Promotion and BSc in Psychology.
Learn more: drpaolaardiles.com or visit the Bottom Line Conference Speakers Page
Slowing Down & Showing Up: Connecting with Full Presence
This keynote combines theory from positive psychology frameworks such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and optimal self-esteem in order to help participants understand how to more adaptively manage their emotions, energy, and ability to connect with others during conversations about mental health. Using techniques and practices from wisdom traditions that cultivate self-awareness and self-regulation, this keynote will offer participants practical ways to become more attuned to their inner experience so that they can be more present and compassionate (and less judgmental, anxious, and avoidant).
Presenter
Dr. Ellen Choi, Assistant Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Mindfulness Trainer and Executive Training & Development Consultant
Dr. Ellen Choi is an Assistant Professor in HRM/OB in the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University. Dr. Choi is an organizational psychologist with training in the fields of Social Psychology and Organizational Behaviour. She received her PhD from the Ivey School of Business in 2017, and her MSc from the London School of Economics in 2012. Her research interests revolve around workplace wellbeing and mental health. In particular she studies the effects of mindfulness training on stress, attention, emotion regulation, errors, authenticity, resilience, and performance under pressure. Dr. Choi teaches in the area of organizational behaviour on topics such as leadership, training and development, motivation, and decision-making.
Learn more: www.drellenchoi.com or visit the Bottom Line Conference Speakers Page
WORKSHOPS
De-escalation & Responding to a Crisis at Work
Learning de-escalation techniques can help you respond with compassion and care when crises occur, while protecting your own well-being.
Join this informative session to learn tools for de-escalation in the workplace. The workshop can help you effectively respond to conflict and de-escalate a crisis at work, including, but not limited to, challenging interactions with clients, guests, or customers.
Presenter
Maria Weaver, CMHA BC, Manager, Regional Suicide Prevention
Intersectional Approaches to Understanding Mental Health
Research shows that mental health challenges impact us all, but these impacts are compounded for people also experiencing stigma and discrimination as a result of intersecting identities (such as race, gender, class, ability, and sexuality)
For us to build a more caring and empathetic workplace, we must create space to talk about the impacts and experiences of intersecting identities as they relate to mental health.
Join members of the UBC Workplace Wellbeing team for an informative session that will:
- Highlight the impacts of varying risk factors, stigmas and discriminations (homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, colonialism, classism, and ableism) on mental health.
- Provide an opportunity to reflect on your own position and identity within the world to foster empathy, compassion and safety in the workplace.
- Leave you with a key tool and practical ideas for how to action intersectional approaches to wellbeing and mental health programs in your workplace.
Presenters
Miranda Massie, Workplace Wellbeing Practices and Learning Consultant
Truelove Twumasi-Afriyie, Workplace Wellbeing Programs Specialist
Building Safety Through Collaborative Communication
Almost everything we do in organizations takes place in relationships with others. And, if relationships are the vehicles which allow us to work with others, our communication is the fuel. This interactive, informative and fun workshop will invite participants to engage in collaborative communication to fuel the relationships that impact organizational culture; support civility and respect; involve other’s voices to have influence; and foster growth and development. These are 4 of the 13 Factors of the National Standard of Psychological Safety.
Join this Introduction to Collaborative Communication Practices that will cover:
- Building Safe Spaces: expanding the sense of belonging and contribution of all
- Celebrating Mistakes: reducing fear and shame responses as we navigate complexity and change
- Co-Creating and Building Relationships: enhancing inclusion and trust through collaborative contribution
Presenters
Tracey Charette, Certified Organizational Coach & Master Facilitator
Sarah Dawn Pledge, Professional Actor & Faculty at Tightrope Impro Theatre
Psychological Safety in Today’s Workplaces
What can you do at work to support your own mental health and well-being?
This interactive workshop will allow participants to learn from each other, specifically focused on sharing ideas and activities we can build into our day-to-day work that can help support our mental health and well-being.
Learn from our CMHA BC presenter of Mental Health at Work who brings direct experience learning from participants about what has benefitted them in their varied workplaces. Topics including building resilience, stress management, and compassion fatigue, will be explored, including a chance to learn from each other.
Presenter
Lucette Wesley, Certified Trainer, CMHA BC
PANELS
Leadership Perspectives on Workplace Mental Health
Panelists*
Minister Whiteside, Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Representatives from BC Federation of Labour
Representatives from Mental Health Commission of Canada
Ruby Ng, CEO, CMHA Vancouver-Fraser Branch
*Additional panelists to be added soon!
Celebrating 10 years of the National Standard for Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace
Session Chair
Margaret Tebbutt, Principal Consultant and Trainer, Workplace Mental Health
Panelists*
Dr. Joti Samra, CEO & Founder, MyWorkplaceHealth
Mary Ann Baynton, Senior Consultant, MyWorkplaceHealth & Advisor, Mindful Employer Canada
*Additional panelists to be added soon!