When we look at successful companies, we often credit their achievements to strong leadership, efficient operations, or an ability to navigate market shifts. And while all of these factors are important, the most accomplished businesses also prioritize something just as vital: mental health training.
Many of our country’s top-performing companies have invested in mental health as a meaningful way to care for their people—and in doing so, they’ve seen a powerful, positive impact on performance, culture, and long-term success.
So, what have these companies discovered about mental health training that others are missing? And how can growing Canadian businesses follow their lead to generate similar results?
Let’s take a closer look.
What High Performing Companies Know About Mental Health Training
1. They Know It Supports Conscious and Caring Leadership
Thriving companies know their commitment to workplace wellbeing has to extend beyond the standard wellness program. They invest in mental health workshops and other supporting initiatives, knowing the extra guidance will allow their teams to stay resilient, focused, and well through demanding times.
This is especially true at the leadership level. High-achieving organizations know mental health awareness and understanding needs to be championed from the top, so ongoing development for senior leaders is always a key priority.
Company Spotlight: Bell Canada
Bell invested in mental health training that empowered over 4,000 leaders to understand mental health deeply, break down stigma, spot early warning signs, and confidently support their teams—creating a stronger, more compassionate leadership culture that drives real impact.
Regarding the impact of the investment, Lucie Dutil, vice-president of HR with Bell Canada, had this to say:
“Our leaders are more empathetic and manage efficiently and uniformly across the organization, and they are better equipped to support our employees. This is a critical step in addressing workplace mental health effectively.”
2. They Know It Aids in Early Intervention
Nearly every mental health crisis can be avoided with a proactive, evidence-based approach to employee wellness. This is another reason industry-leading companies prioritize mental health training in the workplace—they know it allows them to spot potential issues quickly, take immediate and compassionate action, and reduce risks to employee well-being or productivity.
Studies show that early intervention boosts mental health recovery rates to as high as 80 per cent, further proving the value of training that equips teams to handle concerns with sensitivity and urgency.
Company Spotlight: Scarborough Health Network
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) was an early adopter of The Working Mind program, launching it on May 19, 2023. Within just three sessions, growing interest and positive feedback sparked a surge of requests for access—a clear reflection of its benefit.
One of the most impactful results SHN reported after implementing the program was a direct improvement in early identification and intervention.
“This training has triggered a lot of positive preventative work for our people. Managers are very connected to their staff and better prepared to talk to them about mental health. The response might have been different if they hadn’t taken The Working Mind.” – Philippa Dawood, Wellness Specialist at SHN
3. They Know It Positions Them as a Reputable Employer
Forward-thinking businesses know that comprehensive employee wellness plans—including mental health—lead to a 20% increase in the quality of job applicants. They see (and value) the direct correlation between workplace wellness solutions and their standing as an employer of choice.
Mental health training, specifically, is an investment that measurably increases credibility and appeal for potential candidates. It shows the company actively empowers their workforce with practical tools, insights, and strategies to maintain their well-being.
Company Spotlight: WSIB
In 2017, WSIB (a government agency in Ontario), strengthened its commitment to workplace well-being by expanding its wellness strategy. This included mental health training for employees and senior leaders.
As a result, WSIB’s mental health program was awarded Silver Certification by Excellence Canada in 2017—a recognition that speaks volumes to those seeking employment with the organization.
“We have people who are proud to work where they work, and the investment we’ve made in mental health is part of that.” – Leslie Morgan, Executive Director of Human Resources Analytics at WSIB.
4. They Know It Strengthens Workplace Culture
Corporate mental health training has wide-ranging transformative benefits, from providing actionable strategies to prevent burnout, to empowering effective stigma reduction and fostering open dialogue—contributing to a positive work atmosphere.
Leading organizations recognize that cultivating a strong culture drives revenue growth up to 4X higher, so they’re highly motivated to commit to this long-term success.
Survey Findings
A SHRM survey of over 3,400 HR professionals highlighted the strong link between mental health initiatives and employee satisfaction. In the findings, 86% of respondents reported that these programs significantly improve retention rates, while also contributing to a 20% boost in employee satisfaction.
5. They Know It Drives Measurable Performance Improvements
Behavior improvements resulting from workplace mental health training, like better emotional regulation, healthier conflict resolution, and showing up to work more consistently, translate into higher productivity levels. Teams are better equipped to handle stressful situations and mental health concerns, preventing productivity-draining issues like absenteeism and poor focus—leading to a workplace that’s not only enjoyable to be in but one that also performs at its best.
Company Spotlight: Via Rail
After investing in a comprehensive mental health strategy in 2020, Via Rail saw the percentage of employee mental health-related short-term disability claims drop from 53% to 35% in just one year.
Ready to Lead Like Canada’s Best? Book Your Mental Health Training
Our transformative virtual and in-person training sessions actively engage your team in meaningful conversations, helping them challenge harmful assumptions, build essential coping strategies, and confidently support mental health in the workplace.