HRD Wellbeing Summit: Top HR leaders to share strategies

Topics include legal accommodations, workplace mental health and more

BY Jim Wilson 12 Feb. 2024

Employee wellbeing is more important than ever, and numerous top experts are coming together at the HRD Wellbeing Summit to path the way forward for organizations.

The event – slated on Feb. 28 at The Arcadian – will bring together senior HR leaders from some of the country’s top organizations to share in-depth knowledge, develop new strategies, and take the next steps in building healthier, happier workforces.

Early in the morning, panelists Carolyn Byer (human resources lead Canada, Microsoft), Debbie Ovsenny (vice president for HR operations, Metrolinx), Manisha Mistry (senior director, CSA Group) and Rachel Wong (vice president for total rewards & HR technology, Symcor) will discuss how to empower employees with chronic health conditions. Leisse Wilcox (emotional intelligence consultant with Leisse Wilcox Consulting) will be moderating the discussion.

The session will offer practical guidance for effectively managing and supporting employees during their toughest times while sustaining productivity, compliance and employee morale at the organizational level.

Among the topics for discussion are legal requirements and ethical responsibilities in accommodating employees with long-term health conditions, including disability discrimination laws, and what workplace adjustments and accommodations should be made for chronically ill workers.

Mental wellbeing strategies

Meanwhile, Sean Cammaert (head of safety, BASF Canada), Reshma Sukdhoe (director for safety, health, wellbeing & disability management for Canada & Bermuda, The Salvation Army) and Sara Fromstein (director of belonging & social impact, DECIEM: The Abnormal Beauty Company) will talk about successful mental wellbeing strategies to support and empower employees in the afternoon.

The panel will explore best practices in suicide prevention, combating workplace depression, and managing workplace wellbeing effectively. Topics of discussion will include:

How can organizations proactively identify and address factors that contribute to workplace mental health issues and suicidal ideation?
What does it mean to be a compassionate leader, and how can this approach positively impact the mental well-being of employees?
What are the best practices for identifying signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in employees?
What policies and procedures should be in place to address such situations, while respecting privacy and sensitivity?

The event will also feature wellbeing success stories, a fireside chat on how to create a psychologically safe workplace, a discussion on neurodiversity, and more. Participants will also get their chance to network over lunch, coffee, and drinks.