May is a powerful month for workplace wellbeing, with two major national initiatives happening side by side: Safety and Health Week (May 5–10, recognized by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week (May 5–11). Both aim to raise awareness, educate employees, and promote practices that protect and support people on and off the job. While these weeks have traditionally focused on safety and mental health separately, their alignment this year creates a timely opportunity to take a more holistic approach, bringing equal focus to both safety and health in our workplace strategies.

A Shift in Focus: Health Is Half the Equation

There’s a growing recognition that psychological safety and DEI are integral to employee wellbeing. As highlighted in a recent Benefits Canada article, experts emphasize the alignment between mental health support, psychological safety, and DEI strategies, advocating for an integrated approach to foster a healthier work environment. ​We often focus on hard hats, hazard controls, and emergency protocols, and rightfully so. But the “health” in health and safety extends far beyond injury prevention. It includes physical wellness, mental health, and emotional resilience. It’s time to bring those pieces into the spotlight and embed them into what we’re already doing. This month is the perfect chance to turn that intention into action.

Start With What Works: Best Practices for a Healthy Workplace

Integrating health into safety practices doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. In fact, the most effective strategies are already within reach:

  • Leadership Support: When leaders talk openly about wellness and prioritize it in agendas, employees listen.
  • Visibility: A poster on the wall is one thing. Seeing health and wellness in action—in meetings, conversations, and workflows—makes the message real.
  • Strategic Integration: Align health with your existing safety framework. Use current programs and platforms to carry the message further.
  • Engagement Touchpoints: The more frequently employees interact with wellness content, the more familiar and valued it becomes.
  • Clear Communication and Marketing: Well-designed, relevant messaging helps wellness feel like a core value, not just a campaign.

Bringing It Into the Room

One of the simplest ways to integrate health into your workplace is to start with your already scheduled health and safety meetings. Use the first few minutes to offer a stretch break, hydration tip, mental health reminder, or quick breathing exercise. It’s a low-barrier, high-impact way to:

  • Promote flexibility and mobility
  • Prevent strain or injury
  • Increase energy and morale
  • Reinforce a culture of care

Better yet, it invites participation, builds accountability, and models a more inclusive definition of safety – one that includes both body and mind.

The Value of Integration: Employees Notice

When employees see health topics woven into everyday processes, it sends a clear signal: this isn’t an afterthought. It reflects thoughtful, strategic direction from leadership and reinforces the message that their well-being is a business priority.

And that connection is meaningful. It builds trust. It boosts morale. It encourages employees to take ownership of their own health and safety, knowing that their organization supports them.

Make the Most of May: Align Events, Share Resources, Strengthen Culture 

Already planning activities for Safety and Health Week? Enhance them with a wellness message or mental health resource. Whether it’s distributing tip sheets, hosting a short talk, or simply refreshing standard topics with a wellbeing lens, tying health to existing initiatives increases engagement and reach. Joint messaging between safety and HR teams strengthens awareness. The more face time employees get with a unified wellness and safety approach, the more it becomes embedded in your culture.

Final Thought: Small Shifts, Big Impact

Putting the “health” back in health and safety doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means being intentional. Leveraging the tools, meetings, and momentum you already have. Encouraging leaders to speak up, teams to stretch out, and employees to engage.

Because when people feel safe and supported, workplaces thrive.

Need some more assistance?

Get your FREE No-Obligation Strategy Session by emailing us today (info@ewsnetwork.com). Employee Wellness Solutions Network can help you create a healthier culture resulting in a more profitable and successful workplace. Our memberships give you access to services including corporate wellness specialists, trainers and health coaches to help you create the best strategy for your organization.