A growing body of research confirms significant productivity losses because of work-related mental fatigue, stress, and burnout and calls for action on psychosocial hazards now.
 
Among the nearly 4,700 Canadian workers across 159 organizations surveyed for a Manulife Wellness Report, almost 60 per cent report experiencing burnout at work often or at least some of the time. Six in 10 say they feel less productive because of mental health challenges. And overall, 80 per cent said work contributes to their current mental state.
 
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING before June 30 and pay a special rate of just $40 (regularly priced at $75) per course.
 
As a result, the Manulife report found three per cent of total working time is lost to absences due to these health issues. Further, the report found 19 per cent of work time is lost from workers unable to perform at full capacity while at work — a phenomenon commonly known as presenteeism. In all, this represents 46 lost working days per employee each year, says the report.
 
“Losing the equivalent of 46 working days per employee isn’t just a productivity issue, it tells us people are struggling in ways we don’t always see,” said Ashesh Desai, Head of Group Benefits at Manulife Canada in their recent post. “Employees are still showing up, but burnout and mental fatigue are limiting how they contribute and perform. That gives employers a clear opportunity to make a meaningful difference and better support their teams.

Acting on what we know

A report published in 2025 by the CSA Public Policy Centre also offered that employers can and must play a crucial role in addressing the many workplace psychosocial hazards responsible for this epidemic. A 2019 study published by the Institute for Work & Health came to a similar conclusion with their researchers explaining better workplace conditions are linked not only with lower risks of mental illnesses, but also much improved worker mental health. Without more emphasis on identifying and addressing psychosocial hazards in the workplace, according to the authors of the 2025 CSA report and many others, the mental health crisis will have severe repercussions for individuals, businesses, and the economy. They note the annual cost of mental illnesses currently exceeds $200 billion and is projected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2041.
 
Further research tells us workers need more than coping mechanisms. Proactive measures that get to the source of the issue are required. Thus, workplace efforts must focus on understanding and addressing the hazards, policies, and procedures that add to the deterioration of mental health. These include unrealistic work loads, inadequate input on how work gets done, lack of role clarity, misuse of technology, poor organizational support, poor work-life balance, and workplace violence and harassment.

Train for prevention

To support workers, their representatives, supervisors and employers in every work sector who are committed to addressing the hazards, policies and procedures adding to the increasing issue of declining mental health, Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC), is offering workplace mental health training in English and French at a discounted rate of $40 per course (regularly $75). To secure this special price you will need to register by June 30 for any of the following courses scheduled over the coming months:

• Stress in the Workplace
• Critical Incident & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Workplace Violence & Harassment
• Psychosocial Hazards & Workplace Mental Health.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THIS LIMITED-TIME OFFER IS FAST APPROACHING.
SECURE YOUR SPOT 
SÉCURISER LA FORMATION EN FRANÇAIS
 
Should you have a large group seeking to access this discounted training please contact a WHSC Training Services Rep in your region to explore options.
 
Note: If you don’t have a WHSC-qualified in-house instructor, a minimum of 16 participants is required to avoid an additional instructor fee, and sessions must be scheduled by June 30. This offer excludes bulk orders.

Related resources:
Mental fatigue and burnout drive productivity losses: Manulife report
Personal coping not the solution for deadly work-related stress, says new study
Work stressors double risk of heart disease in men, study
Workplace interventions key to worker mental well-being, study finds
Work Stress Hazard Bulletin
Workplace Violence Resources
Special Report - OLRB exposes gaps in workplace violence and harassment law
Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in Canada: The Critical Role of Employers
Psychosocial Work Conditions and Mental Health: Examining Differences Across Mental Illness and Well-Being Outcomes

Nedd more information?
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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