Cira Medical Services Applauds Federal Government Announcement to Revamp Workplace Absenteeism Policies

Cira Medical Services (Cira), a Canadian leader in independent evaluation services and author of a recently released white paper titled Balancing Workplace Mental Health Issues and Employee Privacy Rights, applauds Monday’s announcement by Treasury Board President Tony Clement for the federal government to revamp its sick leave and disabilities policies for the public service, which are cited as guidelines dating back to the 1970s.

In Minister Clement’s announcement, he asserts the need for modernized short-and long-term disability models. The proposed new short-term disability model for the public service is set to replace its current banked sick day system. Its long-term disability model currently starts after 13 weeks of illness, but as Clement notes, does not address modern workplace matters, such as mental illness.

The Canadian Press cites Minister Clement’s encouragement for the overhaul, stating that “a more robust disability management system will emphasize prevention and rehabilitation, and will also include enhanced support for current and emerging health issues like mental illness, which was not adequately recognized 40 years ago but now represents more than a half of all disability claims in the Canadian workplace.”

As the Canadian leader in clinical health assessments, with experts in more than 48 medical specialties including a wide range of leading mental health authorities, Cira recognizes the need to support workplace mental and physical health issues through clinically-based solutions. Cira’s enhanced medical assessment model, Health Assess™, allows employers to support their employees through a confidential, customized, efficient, and objective medical consultation service to help Canadians stay-at-work and/or return-to-work.

“Cira welcomes this federal government announcement as a step towards strengthening Canada’s position as a leading country for workplace health and wellness strategies,” said Karen Seward, President, Cira Medical Services. “We look forward to further discussion and collaboration to help employees achieve optimal mental and physical health outcomes and supporting their workplace goals.”

Visit Cira Medical Services website for more information on workplace mental health solutions and Health Assess™. Download Cira’s white paper titled Balancing Workplace Mental Health Issues and Employee Privacy.

About Cira Medical Services Cira Medical Services is a leading provider of independent medical evaluations and clinical risk management services for the corporate, insurance, and medical legal industries across Canada. With an unparalleled roster of physicians and regulated health professionals and a deep breadth of insurance, corporate, and medical expertise on staff, Cira delivers defensible and accurate reports, backed by expert advice. Visit www.ciramedical.ca to learn more.

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