A Better Interactive Dashboard for Supporting the Workplace Mental Health of Persons from Marginalized Groups

Olivier Côté

Impact

  • The project developed an interactive dashboard that provides:

    • An accessible tool for mental health professionals and workplace managers

    • A platform that presents clear data and tailored recommendations, supporting better decision-making for workplace well-being

  • Its ease of use and export options (Excel and PDF) allow for the rapid creation of reports, helping more managers monitor mental health trends in their organizations

  • The application has increased awareness of workplace mental health issues and supports a healthier work environment for employees

  • Quebec

  • Studentship

  • Université Laval

  • Relief - Le chemin de la santé mentale

  • Mitacs

  • 2022-2023

  • Workplace Mental Health

  • People at work, Racialized Community
    2SLGBTQI+, Women

About the Project

The aim of this project was to create tools and strategies that small businesses can use to improve mental health support in their workplaces. It gathered small business leaders’ experiences to inform practical, actionable tools that can be applied in their workplaces. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing research, followed by interviews with small business leaders, the project explored gaps in understanding the challenges of implementing mental health interventions in small business settings. Literature reviews and interviews were analyzed using the RE-AIM framework, which evaluates an intervention's reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and sustainability. This process worked closely with employers to ensure their perspectives were effectively captured and addressed.

Methodology

Before development began, a team member had already collected data from a company. The researcher then used this data to build and test the application. The work focused on adapting Shiny features to the specific needs of the company surveyed. The project was successfully completed and continues to evolve.

Findings

  • The application quickly became a useful tool for the organization Relief, strengthening their workplace mental health initiatives. While its impact has not yet been measured quantitatively, it has provided Canadians with practical support to better understand and improve their mental well-being at work.

  • The application helped Relief fulfill its mission by simplifying access to relevant data and advice.

  • The project is ongoing and continues to support the organization’s efforts to improve mental health in the workplace.

Project Outreach

The project was implemented in Quebec, but its rollout in other provinces is under discussion. Relief collaborates with SMEs across Canada, giving the project national potential and the possibility for international expansion. Next steps include incorporating suggestions made by a Relief staff member to better align the app with real-world needs. A report-generation feature in PDF format may also be added, depending on project development.

Resources Created

  • 1 application

  • The studentship focused primarily on the development of this internal tool for Relief. As a result, no other deliverables (publications, presentations, or studies) were shared externally.

  • The application was designed specifically for Relief’s internal use. It plays a key role in collecting, analyzing, and visualizing workplace mental health data and is a major resource in their commitment to supporting employee well-being.