CFIB launches program to help business owners promote wellness in their workplace

Toronto – According to CFIB’s recent survey, 91 per cent of small hospitality business owners are still dealing with pandemic stress. To help businesses, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is launching Workplace Wellness, a new online initiative that provides business owners with resources and tools to support wellness in their business.

The online hub, developed in partnership with Nexim Canada (PrimaSure), includes free articles, webinars, printable posters and templates, including templates to create a disconnecting from work policy and respectful workplace guidelines.

“The pandemic forced small business owners to carry a lot of additional stress on their shoulders. Even though we hope to be on the other side of the pandemic, the majority are still feeling stressed and uncertain about the future. At the same time, we are hearing from our members that mental health concerns have also increased for employees and that broaching this topic is not always easy,” said Corinne Pohlmann, senior vice-president of national affairs at CFIB.

At a time when small business owners’ biggest growth constraint is finding and keeping staff, focusing on wellness can help with retention for employees who may be on the verge of burnout or quitting, according to the organization. CFIB’s research suggests one-third of small business owners have increased the availability of mental health resources and/or information for their employees since the start of the pandemic.

“We hope this new initiative will make it easier for owners to incorporate wellness practices into their workplace, as it could help reduce the likelihood of employees going on short- and long-term disability. In small businesses, in particular, the absence of even one employee has a big impact on business operations, but it can also be personal for many small business owners whose staff often consists of friends or even family members,” Pohlmann said.

Briana Desormeau, vice-president of Nexim Canada, suggests: “Different ways to build a healthy organizational culture includes putting accommodations in place and ensuring employees know about the supports available to them. This could also include building in opportunities for open discussion among staff or introducing an Employee Assistance Program.”

For more information, visit CFIB’s Workplace Wellness website.