Employees over 40 have experienced an 8% decline in well-being since the start of 2025, driven largely by the strain of caring for both children and aging parents while managing career demands. The finding comes from a Dialogue Health Technologies report analyzing responses from more than 18,000 Canadians between January and June.
The average well-being score for Canadians stands at 45.1 out of 100, according to the biannual report. Scores below 50 indicate a need for mental health assessment, based on the World Health Organization’s Well-Being Index used in the study.
Sandwich generation faces workplace impact
The report identifies significant strain on the sandwich generation, the 1.8 million Canadians who care for both children and aging relatives. While this responsibility spans age groups, it is most common among people over 40 who are often at peak career stages.
The workplace effects are measurable. Among sandwich generation employees, 15% are reducing their work hours, 10% are declining work opportunities, and 26% are taking a leave of absence. More than one-third report higher rates of burnout.
“Mid-career employees are a vital part of organizations, combining experience, corporate knowledge, and productivity while leading teams, as well as balancing caregiving at home,” said Dr. Marc Robin, medical director at Dialogue. “This convergence increases risk: caregiver-employees report increased burnout and are almost twice as likely to have mental-health-related absences, underscoring the need for employer support.”
Sleep and activity scores lowest
Sleep and physical activity scored lowest among the five well-being categories measured in the first half of 2025. The index assesses mood, stress, sleep, physical activity and sense of purpose.
Among employees with caregiving responsibilities, 69% report fatigue, 65% report anxiety and 50% report feeling overwhelmed. Caregiving-related productivity losses amount to $5.5 billion annually.
Organizational consequences
The strain on mid-career workers creates broader organizational challenges. Many in this demographic hold senior leadership positions, and their reduced capacity affects team collaboration, motivation and performance. The result includes reduced productivity, higher absenteeism and turnover in key roles.
When employers manage work-life challenges effectively, 76% of employees report higher productivity, according to the report.
Recommended employer strategies
Dialogue outlined four approaches for employers: flexible caregiving leave, mid-career coaching and training, manager training, and personalized employee support resources.
The Montreal-based company operates a virtual healthcare and wellness platform serving employers and organizations. Sun Life acquired Dialogue in October 2023, though it operates as a standalone entity.
