Let's Talk: Workplace Mental Health and Relocating Employees

When it comes to life's stressors, moving ranks supreme. Combined with starting a fresh job in an unfamiliar environment, and one can understand why relocations can take a toll on new employees.

“It's easy to forget the amount of change these newcomers are going through, and how much of an impact that can have on their ability to hit the ground running or their overall mental health,” says Jodi Simpson, founder of CityMatch, which works with new arrivals in London, Ontario.

Certainly, research by the Mental Health Commission of Canada indicates that nearly half of all working Canadians deem work to be the most stressful part of their daily life, and an estimated 500,000 individuals miss work every week due to a psychological health issue. Moreover, with the toll of psychological health problems estimated to cost Canadian employers a total of $20 billion each year, there is a strong incentive to make mental health and wellness a workplace priority.

Promisingly, today's employers are doing just that. More and more, Canadian organizations are taking steps to foster more supportive, inclusive, and welcoming work cultures for veterans and new arrivals alike. Ahead are some of the approaches and strategies they're putting into practice. 

Eliminating the stigma

Mental health issues are not weaknesses, and neither are they something employees should feel ashamed to discuss. Employers who actively promote mental wellness (e.g., in meetings, communications, employee interactions) stand a better chance of creating an environment where instances of stress, anxiety, or depression are addressed before they lead to employee burnout or attrition.

“You never know what your team members are going through – especially newcomers who may already be dealing with mental health challenges on top of the enormous stress of moving their lives,” says Simpson. “The more an employer can do to remove the stigma of mental health in their workplace, the easier it becomes to identify and address these important challenges.”

EAP support

A growing number of organizations offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to provide confidential and compassionate counselling services to employees who are experiencing problems that are having an impact on their work. New (or even existing) employees may be aware of these programs or how to access them. Herein, it's important for employees to ask questions, and for employers to ensure all staff members are aware of their EAP options.

Making connections

Feelings of loneliness and isolation are common among relocated employees. To that end, employers can help new arrivals feel more at home by introducing them to colleagues, linking them to local groups, or – in the case of international moves – getting them involved with sexpat networks. The ability to connect with like-minded individuals, or simply be more social, goes a long way towards easing anxieties.

Promoting work/life balance

You already know the saying about "all work and no plays". For relocated employees, striking a work-life balance is even more important, particularly for those who may not have friends and family to turn to at the end of a long day. Here again, employers and relocation service providers can assist by introducing them to colleagues, encouraging them to take part in events, and making them aware of the activities, amenities, and entertainment options in their new neighbourhood.

Recognizing achievements

Feelings of stress and anxiety are compounded when employees feel unheard and under-appreciated. Taking time to recognize their hard work or celebrate an achievement can go a long way toward boosting morale and overall engagement. 

Awareness around mental health in the workplace is maturing. So too are the strategies and resources employers and their teams use to mitigate the risks of mental health issues. Incorporating these into an established workplace may take some effort, but the rewards of a happier, more engaged workforce are worth the investment.

Matt Bradford is a freelance writer, editor, and voice-over actor based in Barrie, Ontario. He has covered the relocation community for 15-plus years through multiple publications and is well-acquainted with the challenges (and opportunities) of settling into a new location for work.