Stigma may be preventing employees from seeking help. In addition, our Q3 TELUS Mental Health Index (MHI) report informs us that many Canadian workers may be struggling with financial vulnerability and poor sleep. Plus, their leaders don’t feel equipped to help.
- Career impact: 45% fear career repercussions if their workplace knows about a mental health issue.
- Self-perception: 33% of Canadians, especially younger workers, would feel negatively about themselves if experiencing a mental health issue.
Manager training and communication gaps
Fewer than half of people leaders feel prepared to handle employee mental health issues. And, as a result of poor communication, workers struggle to get support and resources on their own.
- Mental health training: 34% of managers say their organization does not offer proper mental health training.
- Communication downfalls: more than 3 out of 5 workers consider communications about health and wellbeing programs to be unclear or inconsistent.
Financial vulnerability as a stressor
In our Q3 MHI report, you’ll learn that personal finances are the leading source of personal stress for employed Canadians, for the second consecutive period.
- Everyday financial concerns: 60% worry about meeting everyday needs and many have cut back on spending lately.
- Little hope in their future: 73% lack confidence in their financial future.
The impact of sleep quality on productivity
Poor sleep affects the productivity of 32% of Canadian workers and we know what’s keeping them awake:
- Mental health link: 36% attribute poor sleep to mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.
- Financial worries: 36% mention that worrying about their finances impacts the quality of their sleep.
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This MHI report is based on a survey of 3,000 workers in Canada. It provides insight into the mental health of employed adults and the trend over time.
Key takeaways for people leaders
- Make sure employees feel safe to discuss mental health issues in the workplace
- Revisit your communication strategy and train managers to deal with mental health issues
- Provide resources to help promote better sleep habits and work life balance
- Help alleviate financial stress by offering educational resources, as well as fair compensation and benefits