'Amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty, employees experience rising anxiety' says expert
"Employees are left wondering—what’s going to happen to me, to my family, to my future?"
Dr. Kennette Harris, chief clinical officer at Workplace Options, assesses the growing anxiety gripping workplaces across Canada. The source of this unease? A volatile political climate stretching from Ottawa to Washington and beyond.
As political transitions sweep through North America, including trade tensions reignited under U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on tariffs and trade wars, Canadian industries brace for impact. The economic instability tied to tariffs and shifting alliances ripples through boardrooms, construction sites, and factory floors alike.
Trade tensions and rising anxiety
Canada’s key industries—particularly manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, and forestry—feel the weight of this unpredictability. With Trump's administration hinting at fresh tariffs and stricter trade policies, the financial strain and supply chain uncertainties trickle down to frontline workers.
"Amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty, employees experience rising anxiety," Harris says. "They start asking, what’s going to happen to my finances? What’s going to happen to my job?"
This persistent unease doesn’t just hover in the background. It permeates daily operations, driving cognitive overload and emotional exhaustion. According to Harris, when workers face ambiguous futures, they naturally attempt to "fill in the blanks" about what might come next. Unfortunately, the human tendency is to assume the worst.
Safety implications of stress
While anxiety may seem intangible, the safety ramifications are real and immediate—particularly in Canada’s high-hazard sectors.
"When individuals are under stress, they’re not thinking as clearly," Harris explains. "Their decision-making ability decreases, and it becomes harder for them to retain safety procedures or hazard protocols." In heavy industry, where one misstep can have catastrophic consequences, this is more than just a human resources issue—it’s a critical safety concern.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has long advocated for psychological safety as a core component of overall workplace health. But with heightened political and economic pressure, organizations must double down.
Leaders under pressure
The burden doesn’t rest solely on employees. Leadership teams, supervisors, and health and safety managers themselves are feeling the squeeze. “Leaders are human too,” Harris notes. “They’re facing the same uncertainties as their teams. That’s why it’s crucial they focus on what they can control and model resilience.”
Self-care is not a luxury for leaders—it’s a necessity. Harris advocates for what she calls "resilient leadership," where adaptability, transparency, and authenticity set the tone. “Leaders need to be honest. It’s okay to say, ‘I may not have all the answers, but I’m here to listen.’ Psychological safety starts with approachability.”
Leveraging EAPs and Benefits Programs
One underused tool in this battle against anxiety? Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Harris stresses their importance: “EAPs aren’t just for the employee—they benefit their families and entire support systems. Stress doesn’t stay at the job site. It affects the home, the community, the entire network around the worker.”
By promoting EAPs as an integral part of health and safety strategies, companies can mitigate the compounding effects of stress and prevent minor worries from snowballing into safety incidents.
Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity
Ultimately, political uncertainty may be unavoidable—but organizations can choose how to respond. Harris believes the solution lies in fostering environments where employees feel heard, respected, and supported.
“Resilient leadership begins with self-care and authenticity,” she concludes. “By modeling these behaviours and creating psychologically safe environments, leaders can foster trust, adaptability, and yes—protect their teams’ physical safety.”
As Canadian workplaces navigate an increasingly unpredictable North American political landscape, one thing remains certain: prioritizing psychological well-being is no longer optional—it’s essential for keeping workers safe.
