A recent survey finds that work volume, performance demands, and lack of support are the primary causes of work-related stress for Canadians.

 

Paula Allen, a senior vice-president with LifeWorks, says respondents felt equal amounts of stress in both their personal and professional lives at 26 per cent each.

 

Allen adds those who felt their mental wellbeing was supported by their employer during the pandemic had the highest mental health scores.

 

“When there was an offer of flexibility, when employers or managers worked with their employees in order to help make them successful on an individual basis that was deeply appreciated and that was supportive of people’s mental health and helps give a sense of control. The other thing that was important was when employers had and promoted the mental health services that were available to them such as employee assistance, programs, training and resources, benefits. The things that employees can use to help them get through a difficult time.”

 

Allen says one-third of the working population were considered high risk for mental health issues when compared to 14 per cent pre pandemic.

 

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on the LifeWorks Mental Health Index.