New CSA Public Policy report outlines the role policy makers can play to drive action by employers
Toronto, ON, February 5, 2025 – Over the past decade, depression rates in Canada have surged by over 60%, alongside significant increases in anxiety and bipolar disorders. This mental health crisis costs the Canadian economy over $200 billion annually, expected to climb to $2.5 trillion by 2041. With two-thirds of adult Canadians spending over 60% of their waking hours on paid work or at the workplace, the impact of work on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals is profound.
A new report from the CSA Public Policy Centre, Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in Canada: The Critical Role of Employers reviews the critical role that employers play in protecting the mental health of Canadian workers, stressing the need for workplace-wide solutions to address systematic factors negatively impacting the health of workers.
“While some organizations have taken meaningful steps to safeguard the mental health and well-being of employees, far too many remain hesitant, often viewing these initiatives as costly and complex,” says Dr. Olga Morawcynski, Co-Founder and CEO, Heal-3 Inc. and author of the report. “The evidence is undeniable: long-term investment in mental health improves lives, strengthens workplace culture, and delivers measurable business results.”
The report reviews the crucial role that governments can play in creating incentives and mandating essential actions to drive investment by employers in mental health and well-being initiatives, outlining eight recommendations. It also stresses the importance of collaboration between inter-governmental units, workplaces and mental health organizations.
“From tax incentives to broadening legislative protection through the introduction of a national strategy for mental health at work, there are several levers that governments can pull to incentivize and mandate employers to take action,” says Sunil Johal, Vice President, CSA Public Policy Centre. “Policymakers have a vital role in helping employers prioritize mental health – creating safer, more supportive workplaces that benefit individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole.”
Included in the report is a groundbreaking analysis of over 750,000 Glassdoor employee reviews, identifying the key workplace factors affecting employee experience and mental health including compensation, interpersonal relationships, work-life balance, leadership, and organizational culture.
To learn more and download Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in Canada: The Critical Role of Employers, visit CSA Group’s website.
About CSA Group
CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. We are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection and certification around the world. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.
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Claire Brassard
CSA Group
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Brief
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Purpose
The purpose of this document is to outline the critical role that employers, governments, and other stakeholders can play in addressing the mental health crisis in Canada. The report, “Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in Canada: The Critical Role of Employers,” aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of work on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, as well as the need for workplace-wide solutions to address systematic factors negatively impacting the health of workers.
Effects on Industry
The report highlights the significant economic costs associated with the mental health crisis in Canada, which is expected to climb to $2.5 trillion by 2041. This has severe implications for businesses and the economy as a whole, making it essential for employers and governments to take proactive steps to address this issue. The report’s recommendations are designed to drive investment in mental health initiatives, improve workplace culture, and deliver measurable business results.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by this update include:
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- Employers: As they play a critical role in protecting the mental health of Canadian workers, employers must take responsibility for implementing effective mental health initiatives in the workplace.
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- Governments: Policymakers have a vital role to play in creating incentives and mandating essential actions to drive investment by employers in mental health and well-being initiatives.
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- Mental Health Organizations: Collaboration between inter-governmental units, workplaces, and mental health organizations is crucial for addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis.
Next Steps
To comply with or respond to this update, stakeholders must:
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- Review the report’s recommendations and consider implementing them in their workplaces.
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- Engage in collaboration with governments, mental health organizations, and other stakeholders to address the systemic factors contributing to the mental health crisis.
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- Develop and implement effective strategies for promoting mental health and well-being initiatives in the workplace.
Any Other Relevant Information
The report includes a groundbreaking analysis of over 750,000 Glassdoor employee reviews, identifying key workplace factors affecting employee experience and mental health. The research highlights the importance of:
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- Compensation: Fair compensation is essential for promoting employee satisfaction and well-being.
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- Interpersonal Relationships: Strong relationships between colleagues and management can significantly impact employee morale and motivation.
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- Work-Life Balance: Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.
By taking proactive steps to address the mental health crisis, employers, governments, and other stakeholders can create safer, more supportive workplaces that benefit individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
