Why is the third Monday of January labeled as “Blue Monday”?

With the come down from the holidays, shortened daylight hours and cold weather for months to come, many of us will feel the impacts of Blue Monday. The third Monday of January has been dubbed “Blue Monday”, in an effort to recognize the difficult time that this may be for many of us. Employees impacted by mental health struggles, especially at this time of the year, should be aware of the rights and entitlements they have in the workplace.

Many people may have difficulties on Blue Monday, or generally throughout the winter season in Canada. The impacts of the shortened daylight hours can get to anyone, and may exacerbate existing mental health issues. If you feel that you need some help balancing mental health with the requirements of your employment, there are options available to you.

What proactive measures can employees take to promote their mental well-being in the workplace?

Ontario has significant protections in place to protect most workers from discrimination, including on the grounds of mental health. If you are struggling with your mental health now, or any other time of the year, you may be able to ask your employer for an accommodation which will support your needs. You may also be entitled to a medical leave to address your mental health concerns and get back on the road to feeling good.

If you think that you may need a workplace accommodation, or if you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace, you should reach out to an experienced employment lawyer to see what options and protections you have.

How can contacting employment lawyers at Whitten & Lublin benefit those facing workplace issues?

To better understand your employment rights, we encourage employees to seek legal advice. We at Whitten & Lublin are happy to provide insight and advice into your specific circumstances. If you are looking for employment lawyers and would like more information about what Whitten & Lublin can do for you, please contact us online or by phone at (416) 640-2667 today.