October Health – 2025 Report

Productivity in Canada

The leading cause of productivity stress in Canada is often linked to workload management, particularly high job demands and insufficient resources or support. This includes a lack of clear expectations, time pressures, and the struggle to balance work-life dynamics, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

Productivity Prevalence
32.05%
Affected people
17,627,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Productivity Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  1. Mental Health Issues

    • Increased anxiety and depression.
    • Burnout leading to emotional exhaustion.
  2. Physical Health Problems

    • Headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
    • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
  3. Decreased Work Performance

    • Reduced focus and creativity.
    • Higher rates of absenteeism.
  4. Strained Relationships

    • Increased irritability and conflict at home.
    • Neglect of personal relationships due to work focus.
  5. Impaired Coping Mechanisms

    • Turn to unhealthy habits (e.g., substance use).
    • Poor stress management techniques.

Consider utilizing resources like Panda, which offers digital group sessions and assessments designed to support mental health in the workplace and help mitigate these effects.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effects of High Productivity Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Employee Performance: High levels of stress can lead to burnout, reducing overall productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

  2. Increased Employee Turnover: Stressful work environments can cause higher attrition rates as employees leave for less stressful opportunities, leading to increased recruitment costs.

  3. Higher Health Care Costs: Increased stress is associated with a range of health issues, which can raise healthcare expenses for employers and the economy.

  4. Reduced Innovation: Chronic stress can stifle creativity, leading to a decline in innovation and a slowdown in economic growth.

  5. Impact on Mental Health: Prolonged productivity stress can lead to mental health issues, increasing demand for mental health services and straining public resources.

Encouraging businesses to implement mental health support programs, like those offered by October, can help mitigate these effects and promote a healthier workplace.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies to Lower Productivity Stress in the Workplace

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance

    • Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options.
  2. Implement Mental Health Resources

    • Provide access to mental health support, like counseling through services such as October or October.
  3. Foster a Supportive Culture

    • Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing stress and seeking help without stigma.
  4. Regular Breaks and Downtime

    • Encourage regular breaks throughout the workday to recharge and reduce burnout.
  5. Training and Development

    • Offer training programs on stress management and resilience-building skills.
  6. Set Realistic Goals

    • Encourage managers to set achievable objectives and prioritize tasks to prevent overwhelm.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance
    Encourage flexible work hours and remote work options to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities better.

  2. Provide Mental Health Resources
    Offer access to mental health services, such as counseling and workshops via platforms like October or October, to support employee well-being.

  3. Encourage Regular Breaks
    Implement policies that encourage short, regular breaks throughout the day to help employees recharge and reduce burnout.

  4. Set Realistic Expectations
    Clearly communicate job roles and responsibilities, ensuring that workloads are manageable and achievable.

  5. Foster a Supportive Culture
    Create an open environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their stress and seeking help, reinforcing that mental health is a priority.