LifeWorks, a subsidiary of TELUS, has been publishing its Mental Health Index every month since April 2020. Results stem from a monthly survey of some 3,000 Canadians who have worked in the past six months. At 65.1, the index for September 2022 is identical to August. In July, the index stood at 65.0. 

The September 2022 index is on a better trajectory compared to the same period last year. The September 2021 index had fallen to 64.5 from the August 2021’s 65.0. Based on its September 2022 survey, LifeWorks says, however, that working Canadians are under increasing pressure as their mental health scores fall short.  

Trust is down 

The September 2022 Index survey also found that 20 per cent of Canadians report a decline in trust between employees and their employers since the start of the pandemic. The LifeWorks Mental Health Index survey illustrates that the erosion of trust between employees and their employers is leading to a deterioration in employee mental health. For example, the group of Canadians who feel that trust between employees and their employer has declined has the lowest mental health score at 56.8. This is 8 points below the national average.

Of those who report a decline in trust, 46 per cent attribute it primarily to a change in workplace culture, while 43% attribute it to changes in the handling of employee wellbeing support. Thirty percent attribute the situation to communication. 

Seven out of 10 respondents (71 per cent) indicated that there has been no change in their confidence. This group has the highest mental health score at 67.3. Respondents for whom confidence has improved (9 per cent) have a mental health score of 65.8, almost equal to the national average. 

Strong relationships drive work 

Relationships with colleagues affect the effort employees put into their work, the LifeWorks survey found. Twenty-five percent of its respondents report that their relationship with co-workers was the most positive factor influencing the effort they put into their work. 

Among respondents, 15 per cent cite their mental health and wellbeing as the factor that most positively impacts the effort given to their work. Twelve per cent report that their relationship with their manager is the strongest positive influence. Finally, 11 per cent say that the recognition they receive is the greatest incentive to put effort into their work. 

The work environment under strain 

"In business, communication, culture and support for employee wellness are key drivers of trust," says Michael Dingle, chief operating officer of TELUS Health. "Trust is essential to the strength of any relationship, but especially so between employer and employee during times of significant change and stress," he adds.

Dingle says he believes that today's workplaces are being tested. "This data shows how critically important it is for organizations to be intentional about making employee wellness a priority, and to be mindful of the relationship between culture and employee trust," he says. 

Self-care and collaboration 

Paula Allen, global leader and senior vice president, research and total wellbeing, at LifeWorks, also emphasizes the role of organizations. "Personal mental health and wellbeing and the relationships at work are the top two factors related to the effort put into work. Organizations can influence both with an environment that supports self-care and collaboration," says Allen.

Allen lists elements that she believes enable employees to reach their full potential at work: manager training, healthy team norms, and providing strong mental health and wellbeing services.