If you think mental illness in the workplace is simply a health issue, think again. 

According to mental health and legal experts, employers are faced with huge financial costs and the legal implications of mental illness as the problem becomes more prevalent in the workplace.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour will make resources available for employers in the province to help them comply with new requirements under Bill 168, a new law that adds workplace violence and harassment protection to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

May 19, 2009 – Effective immediately, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) has reintroduced a requirement of three years of experience in human resources at a professional level as a prerequisite for attainment of the Certified Human Resources Professional designation (CHRP) in Ontario.

The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), in partnership with the Canadian Working Group on HIV and Rehabilitation (CWGHR), recntly launched a new, on-demand interactive online course called Managing Episodic Disabilities to help HR professionals better understand the current systemic barriers and promote opportunities for employees with "episodic disabilities."

"Episodic disability" describes conditions such as multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, lupus, Hepatitis C, some forms of mental illness, cancers and arthritis that may be lifelong and include alternating episodes of illness and wellness.
 
The course is being offered in response to a 2006 HRPA survey of almost 500 certified HR professionals, which indicated that:

• Over 70 per cent can't identify cases of employees with episodic disability.
• 60 per cent would like more knowledge on how to manage cases of employees with episodic disabilities.

 
"The challenge for HR managers is to balance the financial health of the company while accommodating people with episodic disabilities, and this can be complicated," says Bill Greenhalgh, CEO, HRPA. "This course is designed to provide some guidance and clarification so that HR professionals are better equipped to manage employees who are living with these illnesses."
 
 "CWGHR's research has shown that there are many people living with episodic disabilities who are able and eager to work," says Eileen McKee, manager episodic disabilities initiative, CWGHR. "Human resources professionals are in a position to play a pivotal role in informing and contributing to the solutions that will increase the opportunities for people living with episodic disabilities to participate in the labour force helping to address Canada's looming labour shortage."
 
Managing Episodic Disabilities is a self-paced, self-directed course that will take approximately 15 hours to complete. The content will help HR professionals understand the impact of episodic disability on workplace participation, earnings and disability income support. In addition, the course offers insights on accommodation strategies. 
 
Registrants will also learn about relevant legislation on human rights-based practices and how to assess workplace requirements in five key areas, including: awareness and leadership, planning and sourcing, selection and hiring, staff development and creating an inclusive environment.
 
To register for Managing Episodic Disabilities call 416-513-0440, extension 236, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Reduced rates are available for CWGHR and/or HRPA members.