While three per cent of total working time is lost to absences due to health issues, a much larger portion — 19 per cent — is lost to health-related productivity challenges, according to a new survey by Manulife Financial Corp.
The survey, which polled nearly 4,700 employees across 159 organizations, found mental health continues to be a defining factor in employee well-being and performance. Eight in 10 (80 per cent) said work contributes to their current mental state, while 57 per cent reported that mental-health challenges affect their ability to perform their job.
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More than half (57 per cent) said they experience burnout at work at least some of the time and 19 per cent identified mental fatigue as the biggest barrier to improving their mental health.
The survey noted other aspects of health are also taking a toll. More than half (53 per cent) of employees reported poor sleep quality, while 32 per cent cited lack of time as the primary barrier to improving their physical health. Employees also identified physical activity, workplace factors and nutrition as their top areas of concern, highlighting the interconnected nature of health and overall productivity.
While employee benefits plans are a strong foundation, the real impact comes when employees know what resources are available to them and they feel confident using those supports, said Ashesh Desai, head of group benefits at Manulife Canada, in a press release. “When access is simple and timely, people are much more likely to get help early, setting them up to stay healthy, engaged and at their best.”