CADA 360 offers mental health support for dealership employees
April 4, 2022
COVID-19 and pandemic-related restrictions may be easing in certain provinces, but the effects of mental health issues continue to impact Canadians.
As a result, dealers are reaching out to better understand what support is available for their employees, according to Karen O’Connell, Director of Governance & Plan Management, CADA 360 Employee Life and Health Trust.
“Our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services are made available to all employees covered under the CADA 360 Employee Benefits program, at no additional cost to the dealership,” said O’Connell.
Overall access to their EAP services increased by 30 per cent in 2021 compared to the prior year, based on the association’s most recent EAP Utilization report that concluded at the end of 2021. The report indicates that the primary reason for calling the EAP is work-related—up five times over the previous period, with the number one issue being workplace stress.
“Other areas that have seen a notable increase include personal health and wellness, which also increased five times last year over 2020 figures, with the majority of employees seeking information on nutrition and weight management,” said O’Connell.
Furthermore, she said crisis services in response to a traumatic event affecting dealership employees tripled in 2020. The EAP helps by providing on-site grief counselling or other forms of psychological first aid.
EAP services can also be helpful to leaders in dealerships; management consultations doubled in 2021. “Dealership managers can help their employees by learning how to have difficult conversations with them, or understanding how they can support employees who are struggling with any mental health issues,” said O’Connell. “Many individuals are promoted to leadership roles, but often don’t have the tools to lead effectively in these situations. The EAP is an excellent resource to this end.”
In addition to the EAP, dealership management and employees have access to a free website made available by CADA 360’s plan administrator, Canada Life.
The Workplace Strategies for Mental Health site offers tools that can help employers plan a healthy return to work; learn how to embrace psychological health and safety in the workplace; and develop an understanding of the effective approaches used in developing leadership skills, team building, and supporting employee success.