TELUS Health released its monthly TELUS Mental Health Index, revealing that workers who experience conflict at work lose an average of 55 work days per year. The Index also found that among workers in Canada, 26 percent say better support for their well-being is more important than a salary increase.
Mental health and work-related stressors linked to productivity loss at work
1. Twenty-eight percent of workers in Canada have a mental health score of 50 or lower. The productivity loss of this group is at least double the number of days compared to the 13 percent of workers with a mental health score of 90 or higher.
2. Among workers reporting diagnosed depression and anxiety, there is a loss of 55 and 53 working days per year in productivity, respectively.
Workers in Canada seek support for wellbeing through health benefits plans
- When asked about their most valued elements of health benefits, a majority of workers in Canada prioritize dental benefits (51 percent), followed by prescription medication (47 percent), and vision care (32 percent).
- Workers under 40 are more than twice as likely as workers over 50 to value psychological services the most.
- The highest mental health score (70.4) is among the 39 percent of workers who find fulfillment in a balanced personal/work life. The mental health score of this group is nearly seven points higher than the national average.
For the third consecutive month, the mental health score of workers in Canada has decreased, with the October 2023 score standing at 63.7, compared to the September score of 64.4.
The October TELUS Mental Health Index also includes important findings related to diagnosed and undiagnosed health conditions, work-life balance and expectations of COVID-19 policies in the workplace. Read the full Canadian TELUS Mental Health Index report findings here.
