More than one-third of employees report that they are more stressed now from work than they were five years ago, but workplace approaches to mental health are improving, according to a new study by Morneau Shepell.

The research was released as part of Morneau Shepell’s Employers Connect Summit held in eight Canadian cities. The survey of Canadian employer and employees found that more than two thirds of employees (67 per cent) and managers (71 per cent) agree that their organizations create an environment that supports mental wellness on the job.   

“Normalizing the conversation around mental health has been top-of-mind for organizations for years and our research demonstrated that positive change is imminent,” said Paula Allen, vice president, research and integrative solutions.  “Employees are finding comfort in their organizations’ approach to mental-health support and feel that their concerns are being recognized and valued,” she said.

Canadian organizations represented through panellists at the Employers Connect summit included Vancity, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario Power GenerationDalhousie University, Université Laval, The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and the Conference Board of Canada.