On January 25th, let’s come together and have a meaningful conversation about mental health. Join us in the Bell Let’s Talk Day annual event dedicated to supporting mental health - because everyone has the right to feel heard and supported.
The initiative was founded in 2010 by Bell Canada and focuses on reducing the stigma of discussing mental health, raising awareness about mental illness, and promoting access to care for people who live with mental health challenges. It also aims to generate funds for research into the causes, prevention and treatment of mental illness.
Every year on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Canadians are encouraged to join the conversation about mental health. This includes sharing stories of their own experiences with mental illness, or those of family members or friends. It also involves educating others about the importance of seeking help when necessary, as well as how to access quality care. Through millions of conversations, Bell Let’s Talk seeks to create a more understanding society that is better equipped to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness.
As a small business owner, it is important to recognize the significance of this day and prioritize mental health in the workplace. Mental illness affects thousands of people each year, including employees of small businesses. Without adequate attention, mental illness can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and an overall decrease in morale within the workplace.
On Bell Let's Talk Day, employers are encouraged to participate in conversations about mental health both online and at their workplaces. This helps create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding around mental health issues among employees. Employers can also show their support by donating funds to local organizations or charities that promote mental wellness. These donations go towards research and education initiatives that work to reduce stigma around mental illnesses and provide resources for those who need them most.
By participating in Bell Let's Talk Day, small businesses have an opportunity to make real change when it comes to the promotion of mental wellness within their organization, while making a visible statement about the importance of looking out for each other’s wellbeing at work all year long. Showing support through donations or engaging with conversations on social media can go a long way towards creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing any challenges they are facing regarding their own mental health or that of someone close to them.
If you are a small business owner looking for ways to prioritise mental and physical health in your own life, we encourage you to read Improving Your Health is Improving Your Business by Driven’s own President and CEO, Stéphane Marceau, where he discussed some of the fundamental behaviours he uses to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
At its core, Bell Let’s Talk Day is about creating meaningful conversations around mental health issues so that individuals struggling with psychological distress can find the support they need, without fear of judgement or discrimination. For small business owners across Canada - it provides them with an opportunity to do just that - create these conversations within their own workplace while providing resources for their staff members who may be struggling with depression or anxiety during this difficult time period due to Covid-19 related changes within the workspace environment; ultimately leading towards greater efficiency, better problem solving skills, enhanced creativity, improved collaboration amongst team members, along with more productive meetings.
Let’s not only use January 25th, but also every other day of the year, to take real action to bring positive change. Wishing everybody a happy and healthy new year! #BreakTheSilence #BellLetsTalk
Advice and research for Canadian small businesses from our expert team
