A recent report highlights a growing concern among Canadian workers regarding their well-being, with a significant number expressing dissatisfaction with the health and wellness support provided by their employers.
The study, conducted by Environics Research and commissioned by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc., reveals that although 71% of working Canadians have grown more health-conscious in recent years, one-third are unhappy with their current well-being, citing declines in physical and mental health, sleep quality, and financial wellness.
The “2024 State of Workplace Health and Wellness in Canada” report provides insights into the well-being of working Canadians and the views of HR professionals on the matter. It uncovers that many employees are hindered by financial constraints (39%), a lack of motivation (41%), and insufficient time (45%) from improving their health.
“Taking care of one’s well-being goes beyond seeking help when you are feeling unwell. It means maintaining a healthy lifestyle with accessible solutions to reduce stress every day,” shared Dr. Stephanie Moynihan, Associate Medical Director at Dialogue. “To get there, Canadians must have the right tools, which range from treatment-based solutions, self-serve resources, habit trackers, and wellness challenges — and employers need to make these solutions clear with employees.”
The disconnect between employees’ expectations and the benefits offered by employers is pronounced. While nearly half of the workforce is keen to enhance their well-being using workplace benefits, 50% perceive their benefits plan as inadequate. Furthermore, 40% of employees feel their workplace does not prioritize mental health, and only 18% believe their managers are prepared to support mental health issues.
Despite these figures, the majority of HR professionals (86%) claim that their organizations consider employee mental health a priority and are taking steps to address it. However, 70% of these professionals admit financial constraints limit the enhancement of benefit programs.
Ahsan Sadiq, Vice President of Health & Wellness at Environics, suggests that employers need to ensure that the benefits provided are both accessible and effectively communicated to employees to improve workplace well-being, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
The report also indicates a critical gap in mental health support, with one-third of both employees and HR professionals finding current offerings insufficient, leading to potential decreases in performance and increased burnout. Despite the availability of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), 53% of workers have never utilized such services, which indicates a gap between availability and employee engagement with these resources.
The findings underscore an urgent need for employers to reassess and enhance their health and wellness benefits, especially as 80% of working Canadians show a preference for virtual care options. Modernizing benefits to meet contemporary needs could not only improve employee well-being but also aid in attracting and retaining top talent, addressing one of HR’s primary challenges.