Book a Psychological Health and Safety Talk
for Workplaces and Events

with Bill Howatt (PhD)

PsychSafe 101: Introduction to What Psychological Safety Is and Is Not

Join Dr. Bill Howatt for an engaging, actionable introduction to Psychological Health and Safety (PHS) in the workplace. This foundational session is designed for Workplace Leaders, HR Professionals, OHS Committees, and curious minds, as it introduces what psychological safety truly means, while exploring its critical link to employee mental health and organizational culture.

Participants will learn how PHS aims to protect and promote emotional wellbeing by creating environments where employees feel safe to speak up, engage, and grow without fear of retaliation or harm. Attendees will discover why PHS programming does not need to complex - it only needs to be intentional. Dr. Howatt will outline core considerations for employers for creating a basic PHS program designed to protect and support employees. Dr. Howatt’s foundational talk also discusses why psychological safety programs require two-way accountability between employer and employees to be successful and key considerations when building a basic PHS program/workplace mental health strategy.

After this talk, attendees will be able to:

  • Identify and define on what psychological safety is and is not

  • Understand and identify psychosocial factors, hazards, and PHS controls that protect and promote emotional well-being

  • Understand basic considerations for a PHS program

Delivery: Virtual or in-person

Length: Customizable to suit your organization’s needs

Psychologically Safe Leadership: How Your Behavior Shapes a Thriving Workplace

Leaders play a critical role in shaping workplace culture and protecting employee well-being. Psychological safety isn’t just a concept—it’s a leadership responsibility. When leaders foster trust, inclusion, and open communication within their teams, employees feel empowered to contribute, take risks, and perform at their best. This talk exploring the roles of leadership in psychological health and safety (PHS) is designed for Leaders, Managers, and anyone responsible for creating a supportive workplace culture.

In this interactive talk, Dr. Howatt explores the essential behaviors that make leaders a protective factor for PHS in their teams. Attendees will learn concrete, actionable strategies to strengthen psychological safety within their teams, navigate challenges with empathy, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

After this talk, attendees will be able to:

  • Understand how psychological safety drives engagement, innovation, and retention

  • Identify key leadership behaviors that build—or break—trust and inclusion

  • Recognize workplace hazards that impact the employee experience

  • Apply practical strategies to lead with empathy and strengthen team resilience

Delivery: Virtual or in-person

Length: Customizable to suit your organization’s needs

a long table with coffee drinks on them

Mental Fitness 101: Resiliency is a Team Sport

Discover the transformative power of collective mental wellness in Dr. Howatt’s engaging talk about how mental fitness is a collective, effort. As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s essential to recognize how our day-to-day experiences—both at home and at work—shape our mental health. Each person’s outlook is influenced by their environment, leading to a spectrum of emotions. Good mental health is about cultivating the ability to embrace pleasant emotions more frequently while learning to navigate challenges with resilience. Life may be unpredictable, and stress is an unavoidable part of the journey; however, the difference in mental well-being often lies not in the stressors faced, but in how we choose to cope with them.

Join Dr. Bill Howatt as he shares his insightful 3 E’s model for mental well-being—Experiences, Expectations, and Environment. This practical framework provides a roadmap to enhance your mental fitness and foster a supportive team culture.

After this talk, attendees will be able to:

  • Review the concept of mental health literacy and its vital link to promoting good mental health.

  • Explore how the environment can serve as either a source of charge or drain on mental well-being.

  • Introduce a roadmap for strengthening resilience and enhancing mental health through practical strategies.

Benefits of Hiring A Psychological Health & Safety Speaker

Bringing in a PHS speaker is more than just a one-time event; it’s a strategic investment in your people and your culture. A well-delivered talk can:

  • Break down stigma - Open the door for honest conversations around psychological health and safety at work.

  • Empower your team - Equip employees with tools to manage psychological stress, build resilience, and support one another.

  • Support HR and wellness goals - Reinforce your company’s commitment to psychological safety and employee well-being.

  • Boost engagement and morale - When people feel seen and supported, they show up more motivated and focused.

  • Create a lasting impact - Personal stories and expert insights help the message stick long after the session ends.

    • Whether it’s part of Mental Health Week, a leadership retreat, or a company-wide wellness initiative, a speaker can set the tone for meaningful change.

Discover More Wellness Talks

Our engaging wellness talks are perfect for your organization's next leadership training session, corporate keynote address, or employee lunch & learn.

About The Speaker

Dr. Bill Howatt is recognized internationally as a leading authority in workplace mental health, with over 30 years of clinical experience supporting employers’ HR and psychological health and safety initiatives. As an active HR/psychological safety practitioner, researcher, and author, he has created several tools and programs to mitigate mental harm and foster mental health. Specifically, Dr. Bill is the former Chief of Research, Workforce Productivity, at The Conference Board of Canada, and the former Chief of Research and Development, Workforce Productivity, at Lifeworks.

Dr. Bill has created the senate approved Certificate in Psychologically Safe Leadership and Certificate in Management Essentials, Pathway to Coping and Mental Fitness through the University of New Brunswick. Dr. Bill is the Chair of the CSA Technical Committee on the Management of Impairment Standard, CSA Technical Committee Member for the Psychological Health and Safety Standard and is a member of the CSA Strategic Steering Committee for Occupational Health and Safety.

Watch our co-founder and expert Mental Health Speaker, Dr. Nicole Legg, discuss the impact and importance of psychoeducation for employee well-being at the 2023 DisruptHR Vancouver Event.

Interested in one of these Psychological Health & Safety talks?

Let’s connect!

Dr. Howatt provides mental health and wellness speaking services in Vancouver, BC, and virtually across Canada and the USA. He also loves to travel, so contact us to inquire about opportunities in other cities. Please fill out the form below or email us at booking@wellinteltalks.com