The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the mental health states of workers.

 

That’s according to Paula Allen, Senior Vice President of Research and Well-being for Lifeworks, an organization that advises companies how to support their employees’ mental health and well-being.   

 

Here Allen tells us what their latest Mental Health Index has shown them.

 

“We saw a massive decline at the beginning of 2020 with the start of the pandemic compared to 2019. Since then, there has been tripling of the high risk population, so three times as many working class Canadians, who are considered high risk for mental health issues as compared to 2019.”

 

One factor employees consider vital to their mental health is flexibility.  An example is being able to take time from work for unexpected family matters such as a call from their child’s school that requires their attention.

 

Recognition and appreciation in a workplace were also said to be factors in good mental health for workers.

 

For more on the Lifeworks’ Mental Health Index, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.