By Canoe Benefits
May is Mental Health Month, a chance to pause and reflect on how we support well-being at work. For many employees, the benefits offered through their workplace are a great starting point for accessing care. Whether it’s connecting with a counsellor, managing stress, or finding family resources, the right group benefits can make a meaningful difference.
When mental health support is accessible, easy to understand, and openly encouraged, it helps create a workplace where people feel valued. It also reminds employees that they don’t have to navigate personal challenges on their own. For public sector teams managing a wide range of responsibilities, a clear and reliable benefits program helps ensure everyone has the tools they need to care for their health and the well-being of their families.
Support Starts with What You Offer
Many organizations already provide mental health support through their group benefits. Often, this comes through an employee assistance program, or EAP program, which offers free and confidential access to professional help.
These programs are designed to be flexible and easy to use. Employees can speak with a counsellor quickly and privately, without needing a referral. Most services are available 24/7 and include virtual options, which gives employees support on their own schedule.
Just as importantly, EAP coverage often extends beyond the employee. Spouses and children usually have access to these same supports. In many cases, family members can reach out directly without needing to go through the employee.
More Than Counselling
While counselling is a core part of most employee assistance programs, the support goes well beyond one-on-one conversations.
Depending on your plan, EAP offerings may also include:
- Online wellness libraries with articles and self-guided tools
- Help with budgeting and financial planning
- Legal consultations and referrals
- Parenting and elder care resources
- Tools for building resilience, managing stress, and improving work-life balance
These services are useful for a wide range of everyday needs, not just during a crisis. Whether someone is navigating a big life change or just needs a little extra support, the EAP program is a reliable place to start.
Encouraging a Culture of Care
Having access to support is important, but employees also need to feel comfortable using it. That starts with communication.
Here are a few simple ways to keep mental health and EAP resources visible in your workplace:
- Introduce EAP details during new hire onboarding
- Share reminders in newsletters or your internal portal
- Use break room posters or digital signage to increase visibility
- Encourage leaders to speak openly and positively about mental health
These small but consistent actions help reduce stigma and make mental wellness a natural part of workplace culture.
Your Benefits Reach Beyond Your Team
Employees are not the only ones who benefit from group coverage. Many employee assistance programs are built with families in mind.
Support for spouses and dependents can make a big difference. Teenagers may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or other challenges. Knowing they can reach out on their own, in a private and supportive way, is a valuable resource for families.
Encouraging employees to share these services with their loved ones helps extend the value of your benefits plan and reinforces your commitment to overall well-being.
Need Help Sharing EAP Resources?
If your team could benefit from a refresher on what is available, Canoe is here to help.
We offer education sessions that walk through the details of your employee assistance program, explain how to access services, and answer common questions. These can be done virtually and are great for onboarding, team check-ins, or Mental Health Month initiatives.
We also provide ready-to-share resources including coffee room posters, digital brochures, and internal templates to help you promote your EAP program throughout your workplace.
If you’re not sure what you need or where to start, your Canoe advisor or account manager can help guide you.
Mental Wellness Starts with Awareness
Your group benefits plan is a powerful tool for building a healthy, supported workforce. When you make mental health a visible priority, and when your EAP program is easy to access and understand, employees are more likely to use it.
The more they engage with the support available, the stronger your workplace becomes. Families benefit. Teams benefit. And so does your overall culture.
If you are ready to plan a session, request materials, or talk through ways to make your benefits more visible, reach out to your Canoe advisor. We are here to support you and your team, this month and beyond.
