A new report by Dialogue Health Technologies reveals that Canadian employees are experiencing a significant decline in their sense of purpose at work, contributing to deteriorating mental health across the workforce.
According to findings released Wednesday, the overall well-being score for Canadian workers sits at 43.7 out of 100 – a rating that indicates poor mental health. The report identified “sense of purpose” as the dimension that declined most dramatically, dropping 15 per cent in the second half of 2024.
The report, which draws on data from 13,000 Canadians assessed between July and December 2024, shows that employees feel increasingly disconnected from meaningful work amid financial uncertainty and global instability.
Young workers most affected
The research shows younger employees are particularly struggling, with those aged 20-29 reporting the lowest well-being scores at 40.6 out of 100. This aligns with Statistics Canada data indicating fewer than four in 10 Canadians aged 25 to 34 report high life satisfaction.
“Declining sense of purpose poses significant organizational risks, including reduced engagement, increased absenteeism, and lost productivity,” said Dr. Marc Robin, medical director at Dialogue.
Multiple stressors affecting workers
The report identified several factors contributing to declining employee well-being:
- Financial instability causing delays in key life events (70%)
- Mental health challenges (48%)
- Work-life balance issues (33%)
- Negative news and global events (33%)
Despite these challenges, 85 per cent of employees reported adopting a healthy habit after completing Dialogue’s well-being assessment, suggesting resilience among Canadian workers when provided with appropriate support.
Employers urged to take action
The findings emphasize the role employers can play in supporting employee well-being by creating purpose-driven roles and embedding wellness practices into workplace culture.
Dialogue’s assessment tool, which uses the World Health Organization’s Well-Being Index, measures factors including mood, stress, sleep, activity levels, and sense of purpose. Scores below 50 indicate the need for further mental health assessment.
The company, which was acquired by Sun Life in 2023, provides virtual healthcare services to Canadian employers and organizations seeking to support employee well-being.
