October Health – 2025 Report

Loneliness in Canada

The leading cause of loneliness stress in Canada is often attributed to social isolation and lack of community connection. Factors such as remote work, urbanization, and the decline of communal activities can contribute significantly to feelings of loneliness among the population. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these feelings, making social disconnection more prevalent. Organizations can address this issue by fostering an inclusive workplace culture and promoting social interactions among employees, potentially using resources like group sessions provided by platforms such as October and October.

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Loneliness Prevalence
15.29%
Affected people
8,409,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of Loneliness Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  1. Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.

  2. Physical Health Decline: Higher likelihood of chronic conditions such as heart disease, weakened immune response, and higher mortality rates.

  3. Cognitive Decline: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and increased risk of dementia over time.

  4. Social Withdrawal: Heightened feelings of isolation leading to reduced social interactions and support networks.

  5. Workplace Impact: Decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and overall job dissatisfaction.

Encouraging workplace initiatives like digital group sessions from organizations like October can help mitigate loneliness by fostering connections among employees.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effects of High Loneliness Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity: Increased loneliness can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, causing absenteeism and lower productivity among employees.

  2. Higher Healthcare Costs: Mental health issues stemming from loneliness may result in higher healthcare expenditures due to increased demand for medical services and treatments.

  3. Increased Employee Turnover: Organizations may face higher turnover rates as employees seek healthier work environments, leading to increased recruitment and training costs.

  4. Decreased Innovation: A workforce burdened by loneliness may exhibit decreased creativity and collaboration, stifling innovation in the workplace.

  5. Impact on Consumer Behavior: Loneliness can impair social interactions and reduce consumption patterns, affecting businesses' sales and overall economic growth.

Encouraging mental health support initiatives, such as those offered by October and digital group sessions from October, can help mitigate these economic effects by fostering a healthier workforce.

What can government do to assist?

  1. Promote Community Engagement: Encourage local events and social gatherings to foster connections among residents.

  2. Support Mental Health Initiatives: Increase funding for mental health services, including counseling and support groups.

  3. Implement Work-Life Balance Policies: Encourage businesses to adopt flexible work arrangements to help individuals maintain social connections outside of work.

  4. Encourage Volunteerism: Promote volunteer programs that allow individuals to meet others while helping their communities.

  5. Invest in Digital Solutions: Facilitate access to online platforms like October that offer group sessions to combat loneliness, especially in remote areas.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Ways to Lower Loneliness and Stress in the Workplace

  1. Promote Social Connections
    Encourage team-building activities, both in-person and virtual, to foster relationships among employees.

  2. Provide Flexible Work Options
    Allow remote work or flexible hours to support work-life balance and enable employees to stay connected with their networks.

  3. Create Supportive Spaces
    Designate areas for informal gatherings to encourage social interaction among employees.

  4. Implement Regular Check-Ins
    Managers should regularly check in with team members to discuss workload and emotional well-being, making them feel valued.

  5. Utilize Mental Health Resources
    Consider offering platforms like October for digital group sessions or assessments to support mental health awareness and connection among employees.