Burnout is on the rise among Canadian employees, costing employers between $5,500 and $28,500 per worker each year, according to a new survey by Mental Health Research Canada, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health and the Canada Life Assurance Co.
The survey, which polled more than 5,000 employees, found two-fifths (39 per cent) said they’ve felt burned out in 2025, up from 35 per cent in 2023. It noted employers that invest in prevention measures see burnout rates drop to 27 per cent — representing potential savings of $3,400 per employee, or $1.7 million annually for a company with 500 workers — compared to 47 per cent among workplaces that don’t invest in these initiatives.
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The survey also found 58 per cent of employees are affected by a mental-health diagnosis personally or through a close family member. More than half (52 per cent) said mental-health challenges hurt their work, but only a third (33 per cent) disclosed them to their employer. Most employees with a diagnosis remained productive and only 16 per cent reported serious impairment.
Support from colleagues (65 per cent) and managers (59 per cent) had the strongest positive impact on employee well-being, though just 67 per cent of managers said they felt equipped to help. Paid time off (69 per cent), personal days (58 per cent) and flexible schedules (52 per cent) were ranked as the most effective supports, while social events (26 per cent) and awareness programs (22 per cent) were far less helpful.
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