October Health – 2025 Report

Work stress in Canada

Excessive workload and time pressure—the combination of heavy workloads, long hours, and tight deadlines—is the leading cause of work-related stress in Canada at the population level. Job insecurity and management practices are common secondary factors, with variation by sector. To address this, workplaces can improve staffing and workload planning, set realistic deadlines, and foster supportive management; tools like October's digital group sessions and assessments can assist in monitoring and improving staff well-being.

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Work stress Prevalence
24.19%
Affected people
13,304,500

Impact on the people of Canada

Effects of high work stress on health and personal life

Health effects

  • Mental health: increased anxiety, depression, burnout, and reduced resilience.
  • Sleep: insomnia or poor sleep quality.
  • Cardiometabolic: higher blood pressure, greater risk of heart disease, weight changes.
  • Immune system: more frequent infections, slower recovery.
  • Physical symptoms: headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues.
  • Chronic fatigue and irritability that persist despite rest.

Personal life effects

  • Relationships: more conflicts, less patience, withdrawal, reduced intimacy.
  • Parenting: lower energy and responsiveness with children.
  • Social life: reduced time with friends, withdrawal from leisure activities.
  • Daily functioning: fatigue and mood swings affecting motivation and focus.

Quick coping steps

  • Set boundaries and manage workload: prioritise tasks, say no when needed, discuss deadlines with your manager.
  • Prioritise breaks and self-care: movement, light exercise, consistent sleep routine.
  • Lean on social support: talk with friends/family; consider professional help if needed.
  • Access workplace resources: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), or workplace mental health tools; October offers digital group sessions, assessments, and content to support teams.

When to seek help (Canada)

  • Symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or intensify.
  • You have thoughts of self-harm or feel overwhelmed.
  • Consider contacting your EAP or Canadian mental health organizations (e.g., CMHA) for guidance. If in immediate danger, seek urgent care or call emergency services.

Impact on the Canada Economy

Economic impact of high work stress (Canada context)

  • Reduced productivity: cognitive load and fatigue lower output and raise error rates.
  • Increased absenteeism and presenteeism: more sick days and people working while unwell, decreasing overall efficiency.
  • Higher turnover and recruitment costs: burnout drives resignations and requires hiring/training new staff.
  • Greater health and safety costs: more healthcare claims, workers’ compensation, and accident-related costs.
  • Lower innovation and morale: talent retention declines and slower economic growth.

Mitigation note: In Canada, workplace mental health improvements can protect productivity and costs. Strategies include workload management, flexible work options, strong managerial support, and accessible mental health resources. October can help with digital group sessions, assessments, and content to address work stress where appropriate.

What can government do to assist?

Policies a country can implement to reduce work-related stress (Canada-focused)

  • Set and enforce reasonable maximum hours and mandatory breaks; ensure overtime is paid and limits are aligned across federal and provincial levels.

  • Guarantee paid sick leave and mental health days; provide government-backed support and ensure coverage for all workers, including gig and contract workers.

  • Require psychosocial risk assessments in workplaces; mandate manager training and adoption of standards like CSA Z1003 / ISO 45003; fund accessible mental health resources (e.g., EAPs, digital programs like October).

  • Promote flexible work arrangements and predictable schedules; support hybrid models; protect employees from excessive on-call demands and ensure sufficient recovery time.

  • Reduce stigma and boost mental health literacy; fund national campaigns and workplace training; offer incentives for businesses to implement mental health policies and adopt digital tools.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Manage workload and role clarity

    • Define roles, set realistic deadlines, limit overtime, clear priorities.

  • Promote flexible work and boundaries

    • Flexible hours, remote options, async communication, formal right-to-disconnect.

  • Strengthen psychological safety and leadership

    • Manager training on mental health, regular check-ins, blame-free feedback, safe spaces for concerns.

  • Provide accessible mental health resources

    • EAP, health benefits, confidential digital options; consider October for group sessions, assessments, and content.

  • Create a healthier cadence and environment

    • Streamline meetings, encourage breaks, provide ergonomic spaces; monitor burnout via anonymous surveys and act on results.