October Health – 2025 Report

Burnout in Canada

The leading cause of burnout stress in Canada is work-related factors, primarily excessive workload and long working hours combined with low job control and insufficient support from supervisors and colleagues. These conditions contribute to chronic work stress, leading to burnout across the population.

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Burnout Prevalence
15.63%
Affected people
8,596,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Burnout Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illness
    • Sleep disturbances and insomnia

  • Mental Health:

    • Heightened anxiety and depression symptoms
    • Cognitive impairments such as poor concentration and memory
    • Emotional exhaustion and detachment

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships with family and friends due to irritability or withdrawal
    • Reduced ability to enjoy leisure activities or hobbies
    • Decreased work-life balance leading to social isolation

In workplace settings, addressing burnout through programs like Panda’s digital group sessions and mental health assessments can help employees manage stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effects of High Burnout Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Productivity: Employees experiencing burnout often have decreased efficiency and output, leading to lower overall productivity in organizations.
  • Increased Absenteeism: Burnout contributes to higher rates of sick leave and absenteeism, disrupting workflow and increasing operational costs.
  • Higher Turnover Rates: Burnout can cause employees to leave their jobs prematurely, resulting in increased recruitment and training expenses.
  • Healthcare Costs: Elevated burnout levels contribute to mental health issues, increasing demand for healthcare services and associated costs.
  • Decreased Innovation: Chronic stress can stifle creativity and problem-solving abilities, slowing business growth and competitiveness.
  • Negative Impact on Employee Well-being: Poor mental health reduces job satisfaction and engagement, leading to a less motivated workforce.

Employers can address burnout by integrating solutions like October’s digital group sessions and assessments, promoting mental well-being and mitigating its economic impact.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies for a Country to Lower Burnout Stress

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance

    • Enforce reasonable work hours and mandate overtime restrictions.
    • Encourage flexible work arrangements like remote work or flex time.

  2. Enhance Mental Health Services

    • Increase accessibility to mental health resources, including workplace counseling and digital platforms such as October for group therapy and assessments.
    • Integrate mental health education into public health campaigns.

  3. Support Workplace Culture Changes

    • Encourage employers to foster psychologically safe workplaces free of stigma around mental health.
    • Promote training for managers on recognizing and addressing burnout signs.

  4. Implement National Policies

    • Set regulations around mandatory paid leave and mental health days.
    • Incentivize companies to implement comprehensive employee wellness programs.

  5. Increase Public Awareness and Education

    • Run campaigns to educate citizens on burnout symptoms and coping strategies.
    • Offer resources that improve stress management and resilience.

Utilizing digital tools like October’s group sessions and assessments can help employers proactively support employees and identify early burnout signs before they escalate.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How a Company Can Lower Burnout Stress

  • Promote Work-Life Balance
    Encourage reasonable working hours and flexible schedules to help employees recharge.

  • Foster Open Communication
    Create a safe environment where employees can discuss stress and workload issues without fear.

  • Provide Mental Health Resources
    Offer access to counselling services, employee assistance programs, or digital tools like October’s group sessions and assessments.

  • Manage Workloads Reasonably
    Ensure tasks and deadlines are realistic and evenly distributed; avoid chronic overwork.

  • Encourage Regular Breaks and Time Off
    Support taking breaks during the day and using vacation time fully.

  • Recognize and Reward Efforts
    Acknowledge employees’ hard work regularly to boost morale and motivation.

Using October’s digital group sessions can also help increase awareness and teach practical coping strategies for employees experiencing burnout.