With the COVID-19 pandemic nearly approaching the two-year mark, new research has found that one-third of all working Canadians said that they feel burnt out.
The research study – commissioned by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, compliments of Canada Life, and conducted by Mental Health Research Canada – measured factors related to how employees are feeling at work. It found that 35% of the survey’s respondents indicated they were burnt out.
"The number of Canadians reporting burnout is cause for concern," said Workplace Strategies for Mental Health director of collaboration and strategy Mary Ann Baynton. "It's not surprising though – considering we're once again faced with extreme uncertainty as the pandemic rollercoaster continues. For so many of us, anxiety and exhaustion are at an all-time high."
Although the signs of burnout may vary, Baynton noted that it is usually characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, negativity and reduced efficiency in the workplace. She also said that it is more prevalent in employees who set high expectations for themselves, have unreasonable demands placed on them, or feel unappreciated for their efforts. And while burnout is not a mental illness, Baynton warned that it can be debilitating and long-lasting.
The study found that there were five industries with burnout rates about the national average of 35%:
It also found that within the health and patient care industry, a whopping 66% of nurses reported burnout. They are followed by mental health professionals, at 61%. All other segments in the health and patient care industry landed above the national average of 35%.
Notably, the study also revealed that few Canadian employees feel they are receiving enough support from their employer. Only a third of respondents indicated their company is working towards a low-stress environment.
"We're troubled about the many respondents who singled out the lack of psychological supports at work," said Mental Health Research Canada vice president Michael Cooper. "With the pandemic it's more important than ever for employers to consider new leadership approaches to help those employees most at risk of burnout. The consequences of not doing so are significant."
Last month, Canada Life tapped Dialogue Health Technologies to offer the latter’s internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) program for all of Canada Life’s Consult+ users. Plan members can use Dialogue’s platform to access self-led mental health support for mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
