Many Canadians think about leaving their jobs because of increased stress level

With Ontario following Quebec in tightening lockdowns, many Canadians may feel stronger anxiety and stress.

The recent monthly poll of Canadian workers shows that even earlier, before the recent virus wave, we felt stressed about our job prospects, didn’t take vacations and were practically hanging on by a thread.

According to Mental Health Index created by Morneau Shepell, Canadian workers’ mental state has never been so low since the start of the pandemic. December was the ninth month of negative results in a row.

“Although most of the population has adjusted to new work conditions and physical distancing, the current economic uncertainties and anxieties concerning work and personal life keep affecting Canadians,” – noted Stephen Liptrap, CEO of Morneau Shepell. “Our collective mental health is at significant risk. It’s vital for us to make all possible efforts to support ourselves and each other and for employers to underline mental health and physical health equally, so that employees feel heard and supported.”

Last month, Canadian workers showed a rise in depression, anxiety, isolation and psychological health and a decrease in work productivity.

“Financial risk remains the main reason for such results,” – the report says.

In addition to it, the pandemic has also made Canadians review their personal and professional priorities: 28% of them are thinking about leaving their jobs.

“The main reason for this was higher mental stress at work (53%),” – the report said.  ”Almost one-quarter (24%) are considering this option because of their employer’s reaction to COVID-19.”

With the current high unemployment rates and lack of job opportunities, a stressful job may be even worsening the situation.

Moreover, 46% of respondents say they did not use their vacation time last year, which is often considered to be an important recharge before getting back to work.

Although many work remotely, they can still feel the anxiety among their co-workers. According to the poll, 36% of respondents worry about their co-worker’s mental health, 35% of managers are concerned about their employees’ stress levels, and 27% saw employee productivity falling from 2019.