Local Businesses Recognized with Mentally Healthy Workplace Awards

An inclusive organizational culture, employee engagement, and opportunity for growth and advancement are just a few of the elements required for a mentally healthy workplace. After a thorough nomination and evaluation process, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna and District Branch (CMHA Kelowna) recognized two outstanding workplaces at their annual Mental Health Voices Awards Breakfast. This year, Paradigm Mortgage Corporation won for small workplace while MNP took home the honour for large workplace.

“We were thrilled to be recognized as a team who intentionally cares for and supports one another,” says Leanne Wilson, Partner, President & CEO of Paradigm Mortgage, “We will continue to build a culture that supports our people and their mental health. We are grateful for all that CMHA does in our community.”

Trina Warren, Regional Managing Partner of MNP felt similarly, “It is an honour to be recognized for staying true to our values. We are proud of our team and their efforts in living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.”

This year’s event built on the capacity and success of 2015, with nearly 300 business leaders in attendance. Keynote speaker Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of O2E brands (1-800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, and Shack Shine), discussed how a willingness to fail (WTF) culture improves businesses and employee satisfaction.

“Focusing on mental health in the workplace improves the bottom line for businesses and can save the Canadian economy billions of dollars every year,” says Shelagh Turner, Executive Director of CMHA Kelowna. “We were so impressed by the calibre of nominations. Many of our local workplaces are really stepping up to show us that they care about the mental health of their employees.”

The awards last year, with keynote speaker and Dragon’s Den alumnus W. Brett Wilson, were presented to the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus (large workplace) and Gentle Dental (small workplace). The nomination period for the 2017 awards will open on June 1^st.

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