In today’s dynamic and fast-paced work environment, the concept of leadership has evolved beyond traditional notions of authority and task management. The shifting social dynamics and phenomena like the great resignation and quiet quitting emphasize the importance of acknowledging and valuing employee emotions. Modern leaders need to juggle three core tasks— understanding the ever-changing business landscape, managing operational efficiency, and prioritizing employee well-being and engagement (i.e., how employees feel).

Howatt HR, a human resources firm, champions psychological health and safety in the workplace, enabling employers, leaders, and employees to reduce mental harm. It leverages evidence-based tools and programs to achieve this outcome.

“The new world of leadership is not just about what needs to be done, but leaders should focus on how to do it. Every interaction with an employee is an opportunity to fuel their passion. Employers can’t fix all the macro problems in the world, but they can create a place where employees feel valued and safe,” says Dr. Bill Howatt, CEO and founder, Howatt HR.

Howatt is an international expert in workplace mental health and psychological health and safety. He utilizes his extensive experience and expertise in this area to bring employers practical solutions that can create a workplace where employees want to go to work each day. Howatt is a part of the steering committee for the psychological health and safety standard, CSA Z1003, as well as the chair for the management of impairment in the workplace standard, CSA Z1008.

Under his strategic leadership, Howatt HR has developed comprehensive training programs in collaboration with the University of New Brunswick that have received Senate approval. A notable initiative is the Psychological Safe Leading Leader certificate, which offers micro-credentialing through a series of three concise courses focused on facilitating psychological safety. This program equips leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to create an environment where individuals feel encouraged to express themselves.

Howatt HR has also created the Senate-approved Management Essentials program, which adds to its portfolio of esteemed university credentials. It provides participants with the required skills to be the best supervisor or manager. This program is completely online and self-paced, allowing participants to stay competitive regardless of their location and schedule. More importantly, university endorsement speaks volumes about the academic credibility of the programs.

“Our Senate-approved online training programs provide participants with badges and micro-certificates, validating their commitment to professional development they can proudly add to their CV,” says Howatt.
One new exciting educational tool developed in partnership with Howatt HR’s is MFIQ an integrated approach for promoting two-way accountability that create habits to protect workers mental health. This solution has been created to help employers and employees create the habits required to create inclusive, engaging, and psychological safe workplace that protect and promote workers mental health.

To ensure the holistic well-being of individuals in the workplace, it is essential to create an effective solution that goes beyond the superficial check-the-box mentality. Howatt HR strongly advocates for an approach that involves continuous planning, monitoring, and action. The company actively collaborates with esteemed institutions like WSPS, the Canadian Standards Association, and the Mental Health Commission of Canada through research partnerships, which enable evidence-based curriculum and solutions, fostering a mature and effective psychological health and safety space. Howatt HR is also partnering to create a new certificate with the University of New Brunswick focused on developing competencies required to be an effective psychologically safe facilitators.