What constitutes chronic mental stress in the workplace? Anxiety, depression, and PTSD stemming from years of verbal and physical abuse from coworkers? Taking a sick leave and eventually being forced to leave the job you love entirely? These are all things Margery Wardle faced as one of the only women in public works for the city of Napean. But when she went to Ontario's Workplace Safety & Insurance Board, her claim was denied. The board called the events she endured "unwelcome" and "upsetting", but said they weren't considered bullying or harassment. Her case isn't unique. Last year, an internal WSIB audit found that between January and May, 94 per cent of chronic mental stress claims were denied.
Why is mental health still not being taken as seriously as physical health, especially by a provincial workplace compensation board? How, after everything Margery went through, is the toxic behaviour she endured from her male coworkers being dismissed as "boys being boys"? What message does this send to anyone else looking for help, and what can we do to make sure they feel safe coming forward?
HOST: Maureen Halushak (Editor-in-Chief, Chatelaine)
GUEST: Sara Mojtehedzadeh (Work and Wealth Reporter, The Toronto Star)