Depression in the Workplace: An OH&S Perspective for Calgary Businesses

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Summary

As winter settles over Calgary, many employees face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. With shorter days, colder weather, and increased darkness, the risk of depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) rises, especially for those working night shifts, rotating schedules, or through the holiday season. For Calgary businesses, recognizing and addressing workplace depression is not just about compliance—it’s about fostering a safe, supportive environment.

This blog explores the connection between workplace factors, winter conditions, and depression while offering actionable steps for businesses to integrate mental health into their OH&S programs.

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The Impact of Winter and Darkness on Mental Health

Calgary's long, dark winters can significantly affect employees' mental health. Limited daylight hours can lead to disruptions in circadian rhythms, reduced vitamin D levels, and heightened feelings of fatigue or sadness. This is particularly true for shift workers, who may already face irregular sleep patterns.

Common symptoms include:

  • Low energy and motivation.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Increased irritability or feelings of hopelessness.

Businesses in industries like oil and gas, construction, and healthcare, where employees often work outdoors or during irregular hours, may see a greater prevalence of winter-related depression.

Shift Work, Night Shifts, and Rotating Schedules

Shift work poses unique mental health challenges. Employees working night shifts or rotating schedules are more likely to experience sleep disruptions, social isolation, and mood disorders. The effects can be compounded in winter when there’s limited natural light exposure during non-working hours.

Employers in Calgary industries like transportation, emergency services, and manufacturing should be aware of the following risks:

  • Circadian Misalignment: Working against the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle can lead to fatigue and depression.
  • Increased Social Isolation: Shift workers may struggle to maintain social connections, especially during the holidays.
  • Heightened Stress: Physically demanding jobs combined with erratic schedules can take a toll on mental health.

The Holiday Season: A Double-Edged Sword

While the holiday season is often associated with joy, it can also bring heightened stress, financial pressures, and feelings of loneliness. Employees managing demanding workloads, tight deadlines, or personal struggles may feel overwhelmed during this time.

Key concerns for businesses include:

  • Burnout: Employees balancing year-end goals and personal obligations may feel stretched too thin.
  • Financial Stress: Increased spending during the holidays can contribute to anxiety.
  • Grief and Loneliness: For some, the holidays may amplify feelings of loss or isolation.

How OH&S Programs Can Address Depression in the Workplace

  1. Promote Awareness and Reduce Stigma
    Create a workplace culture that normalizes conversations about mental health. Incorporate discussions about depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder into safety meetings and training programs.
  2. Leverage Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
    Ensure employees have access to resources such as counseling, financial planning services, or wellness programs. Promote EAPs regularly to encourage utilization.
  3. Adjust Schedules and Workloads
    • Provide flexibility for shift workers to take time off or swap schedules when needed.
    • Rotate shifts to minimize prolonged night work for individuals.
    • Reduce non-essential workloads during the holiday season to prevent burnout.
  4. Enhance the Workplace Environment
    • Install brighter lighting in workspaces, particularly for night shift workers.
    • Provide access to outdoor breaks or light therapy lamps for employees who lack natural light exposure.
  5. Train Supervisors and Managers
    Equip leaders with the tools to recognize signs of depression and respond appropriately. Training should include strategies for fostering open communication and connecting employees with professional support.
  6. Encourage Physical Activity and Social Connection
    • Organize wellness initiatives like group fitness challenges or mindfulness sessions.
    • Plan inclusive holiday events to foster camaraderie while respecting diverse cultural practices.

Additionally, investing in mental health support not only enhances employee well-being but can also lead to tangible organizational benefits. Research shows that workplaces embracing mental health initiatives experience reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and stronger employee retention rates. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) (https://cmha.ca), psychologically healthy and safe workplaces can foster more engaged teams and positively impact a company’s bottom line. Likewise, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) (https://www.ccohs.ca) highlights how integrating mental health strategies into Occupational Health and Safety programs can decrease workplace incidents, as employees who feel supported are more likely to remain attentive, adhere to safety protocols, and communicate potential issues before they escalate.

Calgary Businesses Leading the Way

Several businesses in Calgary are already prioritizing mental health within their OH&S programs. For example:

  • Construction Firms: Offering flexible schedules during extreme weather conditions to reduce stress on workers.
  • Healthcare Providers: Incorporating resilience training to support frontline staff.
  • Oil and Gas Companies: Utilizing EAPs and workshops focused on coping with isolation and shift work.
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Building a Healthier Workplace This Winter

Addressing workplace depression requires a proactive, multifaceted approach. For Calgary businesses, integrating mental health into OH&S programs not only supports employees’ well-being but also enhances productivity, reduces absenteeism, and improves overall safety.

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of struggle. With the right strategies and support, Calgary businesses can foster an environment where employees thrive—no matter the season.

Need help building a mental health-focused OH&S program? Book your complimentary consultation today. 

FAQs: Addressing Depression in the Workplace – OH&S and Mental Health for Calgary Businesses

Look for changes in behavior such as:

  • Decreased productivity or motivation.
  • Increased absenteeism or lateness.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Withdrawal from social activities or team engagement. If these signs are present, it’s important to address the issue early by providing support and resources to affected employees.

The holiday season can be stressful for many employees, whether due to financial pressures, increased workloads, or loneliness. Calgary businesses can help by offering flexible schedules, reducing unnecessary work pressures, and providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for counseling and support. Organizing social events that promote camaraderie can also help employees feel connected during this time.

Shift work, particularly night shifts and rotating schedules, disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, which can lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders, including depression. In Calgary’s industries, where shift work is common (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare), employees may also experience isolation, which can exacerbate mental health struggles.

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