Health care workers carry the weight of responsibility for others’ well-being every day. Their resilience is truly remarkable. However, the relentless pressures of the job, including staffing shortages, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the demands of complex care environments, have made stress and burnout a growing concern.
What’s often missing is proactive support: tools that help people stay strong before challenges turn into crises. That’s why we partnered with Shannex and the CAN Health Network on a pioneering project to bring digital resilience training directly to frontline teams. The results speak volumes, showing how Canadian innovation can strengthen both people and systems, and proving the practicality and scalability of resilience training.
Proactive Resilience in Health Care
Unlike reactive approaches, our programs step in early. We provide support before a crisis hits, giving health care workers easier access to tools that help them sustain their strength in the face of daily stress.
Shannex, a trusted leader in adult services and senior living across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario, understands this reality. With a vision of Leading the Way to Better Living, Shannex has long prioritized the health and well-being of its people. By partnering with AIR, Shannex reinforced that commitment with practical, measurable support.
Partnership Built on Innovation
This project was supported through the CAN Health Network. CAN Health connects healthcare organizations with Canadian-made solutions that improve care, create jobs, and strengthen the healthcare system.
Our partnership with CAN Health reflects a shared commitment to bringing Canadian-made innovation into health care, building stronger systems and stronger people. The results from this project prove that when we invest in resilience, the impact is real.
At Shannex, we combined our internet-based resilience training (iRT) with the BrainGym platform, our digital tool designed to enhance mental fitness and embed proactive well-being into daily life. This platform, supported by certified resilience coaches, gave employees on-demand access to strategies that strengthen mental fitness.
As Dr. Jackie Kinley, our Founder and CEO, explained:
“The medical system isn’t built to identify mental health risks early – and too many employees slip through the cracks. AIR is a non-clinical, evidence-based solution that identifies employees at risk, builds measurable skills for resilience, engages employees to practice new behaviours, and ultimately relieves pressure on the health care system. Our partnership with Shannex and CAN Health has proven that when we lead with innovation, we can reimagine mental health at work. It’s a win-win.”
Results That Matter
The outcomes were clear:
- 22% average increase in overall resilience
- 95% of participants learned skills they found helpful for managing stress
- 97% of participants said they would recommend the program to a colleague
- Nearly 1,000 hours spent in our BrainGym, averaging 9.2 hours per person
- 74% program completion rate, showing strong engagement
As Vanessa White, Vice President of People and Culture at Shannex, shared:
“Health care workers already possess incredible inner strength. This program is about reinforcing that strength – giving our team members the support and tools they need to thrive through challenging times. Their well-being remains a top priority, and we’re encouraged by the positive feedback from those who participated.”
Innovation with Human Impact
For us at AIR, this project reinforces a core truth: resilience is measurable, and it can be built.
Dr. Dante Morra, Founder and Chair of the CAN Health Network, emphasized:
“This project underscores the critical role of mental health programs in supporting the well-being of health care workers. It demonstrates the power of the CAN Health Network for introducing more Canadian innovation in health care, supporting homegrown technology, and improving the health of Canadians.”
Why This Matters Beyond Shannex
This project isn’t just about one organization; it demonstrates what’s possible when health care leaders, innovators, and national networks collaborate.
- For Shannex, it reinforced a culture of care and well-being for staff.
- For CAN Health, it showcased how Canadian-made innovation can scale across the system.
- For AIR, it proved once again that resilience is not abstract; it’s measurable, practical, and transformative.
The significance of this project was also recognized at the national level:
“The CAN Health Network continues to demonstrate its importance in helping to improve Canada’s health care system by leveraging Canadian health care innovations,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “The partnership between the Atlantic Institute for Resilience and Shannex is helping health care workers get the mental health support they may need, leading to positive outcomes for Canada’s health care system.”
“Frontline workers are provided with personal protective equipment, or PPE, to protect them physically on the job. Protecting their mental health is just as important, and this innovative software will put a new tool in their hands,” added the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “By investing in their well-being and in a stronger health care system, we are investing in the health of every Canadian.”
The Way Forward
Healthcare workers are the backbone of the system. Supporting their resilience means supporting everyone who depends on them.
This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when we move beyond reactive solutions and invest in proactive, evidence-based tools that meet people where they are. With the right systems of support, resilience doesn’t just survive, it grows.
Discover our programs to learn how AIR fosters resilience within organizations.