Mentally unhealthy workplaces taking an enormous toll in Canada

TORONTO - Responding to a new survey showing that Canadian employees feel workplace stress, burnout and depression are on the rise, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is urging employers across the country to accept greater responsibility for the mental health of their employees.

"Employers must do more to promote a healthy work/life balance, otherwise they, their workers, our economy and society will suffer serious consequences," warned Dr. Taylor Alexander, CEO of the CMHA.

According to a survey commissioned by Desjardins Financial Security (DFS) and released today in advance of Mental Health Week (May 5-11), an astonishing 83 per cent of Canadians reported having shown up for work while sick or exhausted. On average, they did so six times in the past year. Meanwhile, 89 per cent feel that instances of stress-related mental health problems have been increasing over the years.

"Stress, burnout and depression create huge fallout in the workplace that far exceeds taking a sick day here and there. They are part of a continuum that can lead to serious illness," noted Dr. Alexander. "It is estimated that more than two million employees in Canada suffer mental illness at any given time. The economic, social and personal impact of mentally unhealthy workplaces is staggering."

According to the Conference Board of Canada, workers who reported a high degree of stress balancing their work and family life missed 7.2 days of work each year- double the absentee rate of those who reported very little stress.

Employees suffering clinical depression are off the job an average of 40 days and mental health claims (particularly depression) are the fastest growing category for days lost to disability in Canada.

Many companies fail to recognize the toll this is taking. By not addressing these problems in the workplace, they are incurring increased days lost, reduced productivity and higher disability and benefits costs.

"In addition, businesses are facing projected shortages of skilled workers in the future and they will have to use their resources in the most effective way. Part of that is ensuring that their workforce is mentally healthy," Dr. Alexander stated.

As well, mentally unhealthy workplaces place another burden on an already stressed healthcare system. Research shows that depression is linked to heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

"For all of these reasons, we're calling on employers to do more-to make mental health their business," said Dr. Alexander. "Employees must also take responsibility for their mental health by making sure they are taking care of their health and communicating openly with their employer and supervisors when they see potential problems arising."

CMHA helps employers with advice and counseling through various programs, including Mental Health Works. A similar program called the Copernicus Project is based in Alberta.

Some of the steps that employers can take include: <<

- Offer flexible hours
- Allow workers to work from home where possible and appropriate
- Permit those returning from a leave to gradually build up to a full- time schedule
- Train managers on how to support work/life balance
- Encourage staff to stay home with sick children or elderly relatives when needed
- Eliminate unnecessary meetings
- Communicate expectations clearly to staff
- Allow staff to control their own priorities as much as possible >>