LifeWorks released its monthly Mental Health Index™ that showed 28 per cent of Canadians are experiencing challenges disconnecting after regular work hours, with this group displaying a mental health score nearly nine points below the national average. Additionally, more than two-in-five Canadians report ending their workday feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted.

Marking two years since the launch of the Index, this month’s report found that Canadian workers are still under strain with a mental health score lower than the pre-pandemic benchmark of 0.0 for the 24^th consecutive month.

• The Mental Health Index™ score for March 2022 is -10.5, a slight improvement from February’s score of -10.6.

Many Canadian workers are experiencing burnout, leading to lack of concentration and motivation

• Twenty-seven per cent of Canadians find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on their work. This group has a mental health score of -29.1, nearly 19 points below the national average.
• Thirty-five per cent of Canadians find it increasingly difficult to be motivated to do their work. This group has a mental health score of -25.4, nearly 15 points below the national average.
• Of the 28 per cent of Canadians who are unable to disconnect after regular work hours, one-quarter (25 per cent) report that this is due to their manager continuing to contact them.
• Forty-two per cent of Canadians report ending their workday feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted. This group has a mental health score of -23.6, 13 points below the national average.
• Respondents younger than 40 are 70 per cent more likely to be unable to disconnect after regular work hours than those older than 50.