The culture that companies claim to promote in their workplace far from the reality for 38 per cent of Canadian employees who see significant gaps.

Many workers are facing increased mental strain from being around a negative workplace culture. LifeWorks Mental Health Index, supported by TELUS Health, released its latest monthly findings that reveal poor mental health scores. For August, the score amounts to 65.1 points out of one hundred, a slight increase from July’s score of 65.0 points and essentially the same as in August 2021—failing to improve over one year.

Full-time post-secondary students had the lowest mental health score for the third consecutive month. Respondents employed in mining and oil and gas extraction, professional, scientific and technical services and transportation and warehousing had the highest mental health scores.

Paula Allen, LifeWorks global leader and senior vice president of research and total wellbeing, said previous Mental Health Index reports show that employees who work for organizations that support employee mental health have better scores.

“The support includes the provision and promotion of mental health services, but the current data clearly shows that workplace culture also plays a strong role,” she said. “The good news is that we have identified nine clear indicators that make a difference and each can be improved with specific actions that start with awareness and leader training.”

Some of these indicators include: hard driving and relaxed; cliquish and inclusive; stagnant and innovative; demotivating and motivating; and uncaring and supportive. Canadians were asked to rate their workplace culture across these nine indicators on a scale from one to five, with opposite connotations.

Those employees who reported a negative workplace culture had productivity scores 23 per cent below full productivity—nearly three times higher than those reporting a more positive culture. While fourteen per cent attributed lower productivity to workplace culture, managers were 40 per cent more likely than non-managers to indicate their workplace culture increases their productivity.

Employees who rated their workplace culture as demotivating have a mental health score of 50.0, more than 15 points below the national average. Nine per cent of respondents report their workplace culture does not promote inclusiveness. This group also has a below average mental health score of 56.8.

Working when sick

With productivity in mind, Canadians were asked how much energy they give to their work on a typical day. The average came out at 87 per cent in August compared to the pre-2020 benchmark of 89 per cent. When feeling unwell, whether physical or psychologically, 53 per cent said they are still doing their job at least one day per week. Those Canadians who ditch work when sick are much more mentally healthy than the 42.8 per cent who work through being sick five days a week.

Workplace supports

Nearly 24 per cent of respondents indicated that better support for their wellbeing is more important than a 10 per cent salary increase, a preference favoured by nearly two-thirds of Canadians. Both parents and managers place higher importance on wellbeing supports.

“Long-term business success is dependent on creating a strong, inclusive culture where all team members can bring their whole selves to work, while feeling supported and appreciated,” said TELUS Health Chief Operating Officer Michael Dingle. “The data is clear that when organizations prioritize a culture that supports total wellbeing, they will see stronger business results.”

The full Canadian LifeWorks Mental Health Index report can be found here.