Wanted: Better mental health benefits for Canadians

One in three Canadians would leave their current job for more comprehensive mental health benefits, according to a recent survey.

"These findings send a clear message: Canadians want more from their employers when it comes to mental health," says Zahid Salman, president and CEO of GreenShield, which did the survey. "As mental health challenges grow, so does the expectation for employers to step up. It's not just about offering benefits—it's about delivering the right kind of care that's accessible, confidential, and culturally responsive to meet the diverse needs of today's workforce."  

Younger generations and marginalized groups are leading this trend, including 63% of 18-24-year-olds and 57% of 2SLGBTQ+ workers.

This comes as over 67% of workers report experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout in the past year, with younger employees and women particularly affected, finds GreenShield.

Overall, more than half of Canadians (57%) have thought about leaving their current role in the last year, according to a previous report.

What can a company do to support employees' mental health?

When it comes to mental health supports, confidentiality is paramount for workers, according to GreenShield’s survey of 1,500 full time and part time workers aged 18 and up, conducted Sept. 13 to 19. 2024. 

Overall, 85% of employees rank confidentiality as the most important factor when accessing mental health services.

Also, 62% say it's important that their therapist understands their cultural background, language, or religion. This number rises to 71% for workers aged 18-24.

And 75% of employees want easier access to health professionals and simpler claims reimbursement processes, citing frustration with the current complexity.

"Employees are demanding more personalized, seamless solutions and employers who meet these evolving expectations are more likely to attract and retain top talent,” says Nadim Kara, Executive Vice President, People & Culture at GreenShield.

With the Gen Z workers coming into the workforce, it’s important for employers to help them succeed in the workplace. However, “alarming statistics prove that our mental health crisis disproportionately affects Generation Z workers,” says TELUS Health in a whitepaper.

Here are some ways employers can improve employees’ mental health, according to the American Psychological Association:

1. Train your managers to promote health and well-being.
2. Increase employees’ options for where, when, and how they work.
3. Reexamine health insurance policies with a focus on employee mental health.
4. Listen to what your employees need and use their feedback to evolve.
5. Take a critical look at equity, diversity, and inclusion policies.