As the world approaches one year of navigating COVID-19, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, compliments of Canada Life, is releasing new research that shows 68% of employed Canadians have felt supported by their employers throughout the pandemic. The research was conducted in December 2020, together with Mental Health Research Canada and Queens University.
86% of respondents from a smaller sample, who answered open-ended questions, indicated things like social check-ins, flexible work arrangements and access to mental health resources were more helpful than financial support. Only 9% indicated things like bonuses and pay raises helped support their mental health.
Supports were rated just as helpful regardless of gender, age, education level, income, job status (full-time or part-time) or having contracted COVID-19.
Respondents indicated the three most helpful mental health supports from their employer were:
- Mental health-specific resources, like information on existing or available tools and services (32%).
- Flexible work arrangements, like working from home or working during different hours of the day (31%).
- Frequent communication and check-ins, including video conferencing, emails and other electronic social supports (23%).
