Open Door 2024
Opening the Door to Mental Health Symposium 2024 - Nurturing Humanity in the Workplace
Brought to you by the BC Federal Council Community of Interest on Mental Health (now on GCExchange).
Registration will open on January 24, 2024!
This year’s Opening the Door to Mental Health virtual symposium will take place on February 27 and 28, 2024 and is focused on mental health and wellness. This is the sixth year for this event, which is sponsored by the British Columbia Federal Council (BCFC) and organized by the BCFC’s Community of Interest on Mental Health. The theme for this year’s symposium is “Nurturing Humanity in the Workplace: Fostering a Culture of Kindness, Respect and Empathy.” The program will cover two half-days and include a range of speakers and panels providing their advice, different perspectives and strategies related to mental health, including how we can all focus on kindness, respect, empathy while building psychological safety in the workplace. By prioritizing humanity we empower ourselves and others, extend care to colleagues, reach out and offer support, and listen with an open mind.
This event is open to all regions and all public servants. Sessions will be in English with live transcription. Simultaneous French translation and transcription will be available during the duration of the event. Select sessions will be recorded.
- This event is open to Government of Canada public servants only. Please use your GoC email address to register.
When
Day One – February 27, 2024, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM (PST)
Day Two – February 28, 2024, 8:30 AM to 2:15 PM (PST)
Day One opens with a thought-provoking discussion by Dale Allen (Conscious Lead) drawing on her background as a non-violent Communication Practitioner and the importance of empathetic communication and work-life relationships in promoting well-being. Discussions will follow with perspectives on developing a people-first approach to mental health action plans and strategies, to holistic approaches to wellness including mindfulness, movement, nutrition, and more.
Day Two opens with Pierre Battah, who wrote the book (literally!) on Humanity at Work, Leading for Better Relationships and Results. Discussions follow on workplace foundation of empathy and respect, including Indigenous wellness practices and powerful lived experience stories.
What will I learn? Learning and engaging in dialogue about mental health is a key part of our development—both as public servants and as people. Regardless of our roles in the organization, learning about mental health and psychological safety enables us to create safer and more inclusive workplaces. It also helps us support ourselves and one another through challenging times. Supporting mental health in the workplace requires both the knowledge (i.e. of what works for you and your colleagues), and practice (i.e. dedicating the time and effort to take action). This year’s symposium will cover both knowledge and practice, including from an individual and a broader organizational perspective.
Additional Resources
If you have not been able to participate in past years, you can access recordings and learn more about previous Open Door Symposiums here:
For additional inquiries and technical assistance, please contact our PAC Wellness Team (DFO/MPO) at:
- DFO.PACWellnessTeam-EquipeMieuxetrePAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
