- Home
- ILSTV Stories
- Increased anxiety in the workplace
Increased anxiety in the workplace
- By ILS corp
- Published 05/12/2009
- ILSTV Stories
- Unrated
They're stressed, anxious, worried about their jobs. They're losing sleep and they're losing confidence in the economy.
Many Canadian employees are showing these and other signs of mental distress. According to the first results of the Desjardins Financial Security National Health Survey, a significant number of workers in Canada feel they have lost control of their lives as the economic recession grinds on, unemployment numbers rise and financial security appears to be evaporating.
The study found that one-third of those surveyed say they are more stressed now than a year ago. About 30 per cent of employees across Canada are experiencing anxiety, losing sleep, and/or suffering from headaches, muscle aches and other physical tension - symptoms which often precede more serious problems.
Among their worries, three of the most stressful aspects of their lives are associated with their employment - money, workload and job security. Eighty-three percent agree that they pay more attention to their personal finances and spending habits now than prior to the recession.
Employees appear to be working longer hours as 54 per cent feel the current recession is having an impact on their work/life balance. As well, 43 per cent are now concerned about losing their jobs.
Michele Nowski, Director, Disability Claims and Disability Management with Desjardins Financial Security, noted that a stressed-out workplace translates into increased presenteeism and absenteeism. This equates to increased short term disability claims for both physical and mental health issues. Mental health claims are the fastest growing category for days lost to disability in Canada.
Many Canadian employees are showing these and other signs of mental distress. According to the first results of the Desjardins Financial Security National Health Survey, a significant number of workers in Canada feel they have lost control of their lives as the economic recession grinds on, unemployment numbers rise and financial security appears to be evaporating.
The study found that one-third of those surveyed say they are more stressed now than a year ago. About 30 per cent of employees across Canada are experiencing anxiety, losing sleep, and/or suffering from headaches, muscle aches and other physical tension - symptoms which often precede more serious problems.
Among their worries, three of the most stressful aspects of their lives are associated with their employment - money, workload and job security. Eighty-three percent agree that they pay more attention to their personal finances and spending habits now than prior to the recession.
Employees appear to be working longer hours as 54 per cent feel the current recession is having an impact on their work/life balance. As well, 43 per cent are now concerned about losing their jobs.
Michele Nowski, Director, Disability Claims and Disability Management with Desjardins Financial Security, noted that a stressed-out workplace translates into increased presenteeism and absenteeism. This equates to increased short term disability claims for both physical and mental health issues. Mental health claims are the fastest growing category for days lost to disability in Canada.