The Quiet Shift in Workplace Mental Health
Among Canadian employees whose mental health affects their ability to function, 34% say their work is highly disrupted. That’s the headline finding from a new Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) survey of more than 4,000 workers.
The bigger story is what’s driving it. Anxiety is climbing, resilience is slipping, and cost of living is pressing on both.
Where the Numbers Sit
- 11%report high self-rated anxiety (unchanged)
- 9%report high self-rated depression (unchanged)
- 18%now show signs of moderate or severe anxiety (up from 15%)
- 62%rate their resilience as excellent or good (down from 66%)
Self-reported high anxiety and depression are steady, but the underlying indicators point to rising strain.
Cost of Living Is a Mental Health Issue
- 45%of Canadians say the cost of living is negatively affecting their mental health
- 36%worry about paying household bills
“This is the main driver for a specific group of Canadians”, says Michael Cooper, VP of data and partnerships at MHRC.
Economic pressure, especially for lower-income workers, is doing the heavy lifting on mental health outcomes. His practical advice for employers: flexible work arrangements can ease financial pressure by cutting costs like childcare.
Screens Are a New Warning Sign
Screen habits are emerging as a practical indicator of mental health strain:
- Canadians who spend 4+ hours per day on social media or video games are about twice as likelyto report severe anxiety and depression symptoms
- The issue isn’t intentional screen time. It’s the algorithm-driven scroll that pulls people in and keeps them there
Connection Still Matters
Belonging remains a protective factor:
- 4 in 5Canadians say turning to friends or a partner helps them manage stress
- 48%feel a strong sense of belonging to their local community
What Plan Sponsors Can Do
- Offer flexible work arrangements to ease financial and time pressure
- Review EAP and paramedical coverage for anxiety-focused therapy
- Add financial wellness resources (planning, debt counselling, budgeting tools)
- Promote healthy screen habits through workplace wellness communications
- Build in belonging: employee resource groups, team-based social touchpoints, community volunteering.
Anxiety is a workplace issue. Cost of living is a workplace issue. Screens and isolation are workplace issues. The employers seeing the best outcomes are the ones treating them that way.
Source: Mental Health Research Canada survey, via Benefits Canada (July 3, 2026).