Canadians struggling with burnout are less likely to view their employers favourably

A new survey and related research from Canada Life’s Mental Health Research Canada shows that burnout among Canadian workers inched up in the past 12 months but still remains lower relative to burnout scores reported in 2021.

Conducted in July 2024, the survey of 3,213 Canadians found that 24 per cent reported feeling burned out at work. This is up from 21 per cent reported in 2023 but down from the 35 per cent who said the same in December 2021.

Lower levels of motivation 

In addition, the survey found that 68 per cent have experienced symptoms that can develop into burnout. Among them, 40 per cent reported fatigue, 38 per cent reported lower levels of motivation, 29 per cent said they had less energy than usual and 26 per cent said they had feelings of irritability. Increased frustration was also reported by 25 per cent of survey respondents.

The report, Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, October 2024 update also looks at psychological safety (68 per cent said their workplace is psychologically safe; 23 per cent said the opposite and nine per cent were unsure), levels of depression and anxiety (higher when survey respondents are unemployed) and the rise and fall in mental health rates – 32 per cent of employed Canadians said their mental health improved over the previous 12 months; 22 per cent said their mental health had declined during the same period.

Among those experiencing burnout, only 31 per cent said their employer prioritizes preventing burnout. Comparatively, those who never feel burnt out at work were more likely to see their employer in a favourable light: more than half, 56 per cent of these respondents think their employer does prioritize burnout prevention.

“Too many Canadians are still struggling. We’re encouraging employers to continue finding ways to reduce work stressors and stop burnout before it starts,” says Mary Ann Baynton, director of collaboration and strategy, workplace strategies for mental health. “It’s important to look for these signs before the negative effects of burnout happen. Burnout isn’t something that most people can easily bounce back from, so it’s important we recognize the symptoms to identify and address it early.”