October Health – 2025 Report

Work stress in Canada

The leading causes of work-related stress in Canada include: 1. **High Workload and Job Demands**: Excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and unrealistic expectations are significant contributors. 2. **Lack of Job Control**: Employees often experience stress when they have little autonomy or decision-making authority in their roles. 3. **Interpersonal Conflicts**: Workplace conflicts with colleagues or management create a stressful work environment. 4. **Job Insecurity**: Fear of layoffs or contract uncertainty adds stress, especially in competitive or volatile industries. 5. **Work-Life Imbalance**: Difficulty managing personal and professional responsibilities leads to chronic stress for many workers. Employers can address these factors by promoting mental health awareness, fostering supportive work environments, and providing mental health resources such as those offered by October.

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Work stress Prevalence
24.04%
Affected people
13,222,000

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of High Work Stress on Health and Personal Lives

1. Physical Health

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues (e.g., high blood pressure, heart disease).
  • Chronic fatigue, headaches, or other stress-induced physical ailments.
  • Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illness.
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia.

2. Mental Health

  • Higher likelihood of anxiety and depression.
  • Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment.
  • Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

3. Workplace Impact

  • Decreased productivity and efficiency.
  • Heightened risk of workplace accidents due to reduced focus.
  • Strained relationships with colleagues or superiors.

4. Personal Life

  • Strained interpersonal relationships, particularly with family or friends.
  • Reduced quality of social interactions, due to irritability or emotional withdrawal.
  • Less time and energy for hobbies, self-care, and relaxation.
  • Potential substance misuse as a way to cope (e.g., alcohol or drugs).

Suggestions for Addressing High Work Stress

  • Engage in relaxation techniques, like mindfulness or deep breathing.
  • Set boundaries between work and personal life (e.g., turn off work notifications after hours).
  • Seek support through your workplace or resources like October's digital mental health services for group sessions and content tailored toward managing stress.
  • Speak with a supervisor about workload concerns or alternative solutions to reduce stress triggers.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Effects of High Work Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Productivity:

    • Chronic work stress leads to decreased efficiency, mistakes, and reduced output, which directly hampers economic growth.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism:

    • Stress-related illnesses result in employees staying home (absenteeism) or being physically present but not productive (presenteeism), which affects overall workplace performance.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs:

    • Work stress increases the prevalence of mental health issues like anxiety and depression, as well as physical health problems such as heart disease, increasing the burden on healthcare systems.

  4. Increased Employee Turnover:

    • High stress leads to burnout, prompting employees to quit. Recruiting and training replacements incur significant costs for both businesses and the economy.

  5. Decreased Consumer Spending:

    • Financial strain from medical bills or reduced income due to stress can limit consumer spending, impacting the economy further.

  6. Reduced Competitiveness:

    • Businesses with a stressed workforce perform poorly in innovation and compete less effectively in the global market.

Potential Solutions To mitigate these effects, supporting employee mental health through resources like October’s group sessions or assessments can foster happier, healthier, and more productive workplaces, benefiting the economy overall.

What can government do to assist?

Actions a Country Can Take to Lower Workplace Stress

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance Policies

    • Encourage flexible working arrangements (e.g., remote work, compressed workweeks).
    • Mandate adequate paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.

  2. Set Standards for Reasonable Work Hours

    • Enforce regulations to limit excessive working hours and overtime.
    • Ensure appropriate breaks during work hours.

  3. Invest in Accessible Mental Health Resources

    • Provide funding for workplace mental health programs.
    • Partner with companies like October to offer digital mental health solutions, including group sessions and assessments.

  4. Foster Supportive Work Cultures

    • Encourage employers to prioritize psychological safety at work by training leaders on empathy and stress management.
    • Advocate against stigma surrounding mental health challenges in the workplace.

  5. Encourage Job Security and Fair Compensation

    • Set minimum wage standards that align with the cost of living.
    • Support employees by developing policies that enhance job security and reduce financial stress.

  6. Enable Access to Resources and Training

    • Provide stress management workshops and mental health awareness campaigns.
    • Ensure companies have employee assistance programs (EAPs).

  7. Monitor Work Environmental Standards

    • Enforce workplace health and safety regulations.
    • Support ergonomic improvements for remote and onsite employees.

  8. Promote Equal Opportunity in the Workplace

    • Address workplace discrimination and harassment through strict policies.
    • Encourage equitable promotion opportunities and career development.

A combination of these actions can help reduce workplace stress and foster positive mental health across an entire population.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Strategies to Lower Workplace Stress in a Company:

1. **Promote Work-Life Balance:**
   - Encourage employees to take breaks and use their vacation days.
   - Avoid after-hours emails or calls unless absolutely necessary.

2. **Provide Mental Health Resources:**
   - Offer access to mental health services, such as counseling or therapy.
   - Implement programs like October for group mental health sessions and assessments.

3. **Create a Supportive Work Environment:**
   - Foster open communication between employees and management.
   - Train leaders to recognize signs of stress and provide support.

4. **Flexible Work Arrangements:**
   - Allow for remote work or flexible schedules when possible.
   - Adapt to individual employee needs to reduce pressure.

5. **Set Clear Expectations:**
   - Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance goals.
   - Avoid sudden changes that disrupt workflows without proper preparation.

6. **Encourage Personal Development:**
   - Provide ongoing training and skill-building opportunities.
   - Help employees feel competent and confident in their roles.

7. **Promote Physical and Mental Wellness:**
   - Implement wellness programs like yoga, mindfulness sessions, or fitness challenges.
   - Encourage healthy habits by providing resources or a health-conscious office environment.

8. **Recognize and Appreciate Employees:**
   - Celebrate achievements and provide regular positive feedback.
   - Show genuine appreciation for employee contributions.