Report: 23% of Canadians thought about death or self-harm in past two weeks
Alarming Mental Health Crisis in Canadian Workplaces: New Report Reveals
Canadian workplaces are facing a severe mental health crisis, according to the newly released Colleagues in Crisis Report by Wysa, an AI-guided mental health solution. The report uncovers alarming statistics, revealing that nearly one in four Canadians (23%) have been troubled by thoughts of death or self-harm within the past two weeks. This figure rises to 36% when considering the past year, with young adults aged 18-24 being particularly vulnerable at 56%.
"These statistics serve as a wake-up call for employers to recognize and address the mental health crisis within the workplace," says Ramakant Vempati, president and co-founder at Wysa. "Companies have a pivotal role in supporting individuals by equipping workplaces with the tools and training to prevent tragedies."
Scope of the crisis
The data, collected from over 2,000 Canadian employees across various industries, paints a concerning picture. Emotional distance, isolation, and feelings of hopelessness are common experiences among workers, with 36% experiencing emotional distance, 31% feeling isolated, and 25% struggling with a persistent sense of hopelessness.
"What was really alarming was that there were a lot of people who are experiencing self-harm thoughts at that point in time when they answered the survey,” says Smriti Joshi, chief psychologist advisor at Wysa.
Industry-specific risks
Certain industries exhibit higher risks than others. The report identifies real estate, arts, entertainment and recreation, hospitality, social care, and retail as sectors with elevated rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm. For instance, over half (54%) of individuals in the Canadian real estate industry have been bothered by suicidal thoughts or thoughts about self-harm in the past year.
"Real estate and hospitality are specific sectors where employees were struggling with these kinds of thoughts," Joshi explains. "People need health and safety leaders, HRs, and employers to think about what is it that they can specifically curate for these sectors."
Gaps in employer support
Only 43% of employees believe their employer takes proactive steps to address mental health, and 36% feel that mental health is viewed as a personal matter. A worrying 68% of employees have not received training on how to respond to a colleague experiencing severe depression in the past year.
"Employee training and manager training in helping identify signs of crisis, signs of mental health concerns in fellow colleagues, as well as being able to provide some sort of psychological support, could also be critical," suggests Joshi.
Recommendations for health and safety professionals
To address these challenges, health and safety professionals in Canada should consider the following recommendations:
- Regular screenings and assessments: Conduct regular mental health screenings to gauge the well-being of employees. This helps in early identification of individuals at risk and provides an opportunity for timely intervention.
- Comprehensive support systems: Ensure that mental health services are not just a check-box exercise. Services such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) should be effective, well-publicized, and regularly assessed for their impact.
- Training and awareness: Implement training programs for managers and employees to identify signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support. This includes creating a culture where discussing mental health is normalized.
- Industry-specific strategies: Tailor mental health support to the unique stressors and demands of different industries. For example, in high-stress sectors like real estate and hospitality, consider workload management, flexibility, and targeted mental health resources.
- Creating a supportive environment: Foster open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma. Providing safe spaces for employees to discuss their concerns and offering peer support groups can make a significant difference.
"Conversations need to be normalized," Joshi stresses. "A lot of people in the survey felt emotionally distant and isolated, which we know is a significant issue. Normalizing these conversations and providing peer support can help mitigate these feelings."
The Colleagues in Crisis Report is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved mental health support in Canadian workplaces. Employers and health and safety professionals must take proactive steps to address this crisis. By implementing comprehensive support systems, providing targeted training, and fostering a supportive environment, workplaces can play a crucial role in improving the mental well-being of their employees.
