The study shows that employees who describe their workplace as collaborative, flexible, relaxed, inclusive, innovative, stimulating, respectful, safe and supportive have higher mental health indexes.

“It is crucial that companies not only say they have a positive work environment; They need to take steps to ensure their employees feel supported. The data is clear: Organizations that prioritize a culture of holistic wellbeing will achieve better business outcomes,” said Michael Dingle, COO of TELUS Health, which LifeWorks acquired earlier this month.

According to LifeWorks, a negative workplace culture results in three times less productivity than a positive work environment.

INCLUSIVE JOBS

Additionally, several respondents (9%) believe their workplace culture is not conducive to inclusion. This group has a mental health index nearly 11 points below the national average.

The survey shows that the mental health of Canadian workers has not improved in more than a year and continues to be questioned. Almost a third of employees are at high risk for mental health problems, while 43% are at moderate risk.

Despite a slight improvement from July 2022, anxiety remains a significant risk for workers, followed by isolation, reduced productivity and depression. Optimism and general mental health are down compared to the previous month.

The financial risk index, which measures the level of participants’ emergency funds, improved slightly over the past month after fluctuating since peaking last February.

MORE PERFORMANCE AT WORK

Despite the challenges, Canadians are putting more effort into the workplace than they were a year ago. More than half of those surveyed say they go to work at least once a week, even when they don’t feel well. Given the election, nearly a quarter would rather get more health support than a 10% pay rise.

After two years of remote work, employees are divided on how they imagine returning to work. The four-day week in the office is almost as favored by 35% of respondents as those who would like to work full-time from home (34%), while 31% say they would like to find the same situation as before the pandemic.

The mental health index improved in several areas of activity, particularly mining and energy, scientific and technical professional services, and financial services, while deteriorating in public services, arts and entertainment, and educational services. Third consecutive month, full-time students with lowest mental health scores.