Work and Well-being Research and Evaluation Program

Program Head

Contact

Nancy Chau, MStat
Research Coordinator
Work and Well-being Research and Evaluation Program
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
33 Russell Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2S1

(416) 535-8501 ext 4073
nancy_chau@camh.net

Research Objective

Transforming our understanding of work and living using a trans-disciplinary approach to research. Projects look at the impact of work on people with mental illness, and investigate the workplace’s impact on mental health.

Summary of Activities

This program is built around four research streams: epidemiology; prevention and promotion; diagnosis and treatment; and disability management of mental disorders at the workplace. It has a strong emphasis on applied research including evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of workplace interventions and policies that affect the workplace and workers. Program scientists are also involved in projects that examine the impact of work on people with mental illness as well as work’s impact on mental health. The program also seeks to build research capacity in this area. As such, training and mentoring students from a variety disciplines are also program missions.

The program recognizes the contribution of work and the workplace to the quality of life, and understands the importance of knowledge exchange. We are committed to collaborating in partnerships with stakeholders in different sectors and to sharing information with these stakeholder groups. Many projects are partnerships with external partners including employers, unions, workers, occupational health, clinicians, providers and insurers.

Building on the CAMH mission, this program’s vision statement is “Transforming Work and Living.” It recognizes the contribution of work and the workplace to the quality of life, and understands the importance of knowledge exchange. Dr. Dewa and her team plan to share information with CAMH stakeholders as well as with external partners such as employers, unions, workers, occupational health, clinicians, providers and insurers.

Current Projects

In collaboration with the University of Toronto, the program hosted the first joint Convergence on Mental Health and the Workplace on April 23, 2008. In response to overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from Convergence participants, the program has planned a new Seminar Series. Seminars will be held once per month, and feature innovative topics and speakers. For further information, and to access the Seminar Series schedule, please click here.

In addition to the new Seminar Series, work is already in progress to transform the Convergence into an annual event. Further information on the past Convergence, and all related documents can be accessed here.
4th Annual Canadian Congress for Research on Mental Health and Addiction in the Workplace - October 28th to 30th, 2009
The 4^th Annual Canadian Congress for Research on Mental Health and Addiction in the Workplace is the leading Canadian forum of its kind dedicated to improving the working environment and the mental health of employees. During this two and a half day Congress, hundreds of researchers, business leaders, policy-makers and workers will gather to share information on the latest research and evidence-based interventions focusing on five main areas:
- Workplace Prevention and Promotion
- Disability Management and Return to Work
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Stigma/Discrimination
- Workplace Mental Health and Addiction Policies
The connections made will transform mental health in the workplace. We can do it! For more information, please click here.
NEW: Science on tap @ Bymark on February 18, 2009
CAMH co-sponsored CIHR Café Scientifique

Mental illness costs Ontarians about $20 billion, with billions more being lost to decreased productivity. And in times of economic hardship, these costs are only likely to increase. How do employers and employees deal with this? Come to Bymark on February 18th and engage in a lively discussion on this topic with CAMH's Dr. Carolyn Dewa, Dr. Zindel Segal and the University of Toronto's Dr. Guy Faulkner.

A science degree is not an audience requirement; all you need is a deep-rooted desire to talk about promoting and maintaining mental health in the work place.

Complimentary refreshments will be available at 4:30, with the discussion beginning at 5:00 p.m. Space is limited, so please RSVP to leah_kirkpatrick@camh.net. For more information, please click here.