A survey by wellness benefits provider Heal-3 and the Future Skills Centre, finds 40% of workers in the last five years have taken time off due to mental-health concerns.
The survey, which polled more than 500 workers, found among respondents who took time off for mental-health reasons, 80 per cent said job demands and their work environment were the primary causes of mental-health related absenteeism.
Nearly two-thirds said family-related pressures (63 %) and financial concerns (62 %) have affected their mental health. Indeed, nearly half (48 %) said their earnings were inadequate to keep up with inflation, while nearly a third (30 %) said they’re concerned their retirement savings are insufficient.
More than half (55%) of workers said they use holistic modalities and alternative therapies to prevent and/or recover from poor mental health. Notably, more than two-thirds of surveyed Canadians said they would participate in psychedelic-assisted therapy if they have more information (39%) or it was legalized (30%).
“This research shows the need to fundamentally re-examine how employers support the well-being of their staff,” said r. Olga Morawczynski, chief executive officer of Heal-3, in a press release. “Employees are increasingly confronted by daily stresses that imperil not just their mental health but the productivity and viability of the organizations they work for.”
“Employers, however, can address this issue by placing greater emphasis on preventive mental-health practices and providing flexible benefits that include holistic modalities and alternative therapies.”
Reprinted from “Benefits Canada”