**The big picture:** A multi-year Ontario study, led by BetterUp Canada and WSIB, is testing whether one-on-one coaching can build resilience in first responders and healthcare workers to prevent work-related mental health injuries. **Why it matters:** This initiative directly addresses the escalating costs and human toll of mental health claims, particularly after presumptive legislation in Ontario, offering a potential preventative solution for employers and benefits providers. **Between the lines:** - Ontario's 2016 Bill 163 established a presumption that PTSD in first responders is work-related, leading to a 400%+ increase in claims between 2014-2018. - The median mental stress claim for public safety personnel in Ontario lasted 14.4 months, with only 35.7% achieving a successful return to work. - The study, developed with positive psychology founder Martin Seligman, aims to provide large-scale evidence on building resilience before crisis. **Staffing & HR impact:** Successful preventative coaching could significantly reduce long-term disability claims and associated costs, improving workforce retention and reducing compliance burdens related to mental health support. **The bottom line:** This study could redefine how organizations approach mental health support, shifting from reactive treatment to proactive resilience building.

**The big picture:** BetterUp Canada Inc. has initiated a multi-year research program, The Ontario Frontline Study, to assess the effectiveness of personalized coaching in building resilience and reducing stress for first responders and healthcare workers. **Why it matters:** This study aims to provide evidence for scalable mental health interventions in high-stress occupations, potentially influencing how organizations support employee well-being and retention. **Between the lines:** - The study offers six months of free one-on-one coaching to eligible participants. - It was developed with Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology. - The research seeks to determine if proactive psychological resilience building can mitigate occupational stress. **Staffing & HR impact:** Proactive mental health support can reduce burnout and improve retention in critical sectors, directly impacting talent acquisition and the stability of the workforce. This could lead to new HR strategies for employee support and development. **The bottom line:** If successful, this study could redefine mental health support models for high-stress professions, offering a scalable solution for workforce well-being.