SASKATOON — Saskatchewan workers had some of the strongest mental health improvements in the country, according to TELUS Health’s latest Mental Health Index and inaugural Mental Health Barometer.
The MHI, which tracks the country’s mental health of employees, showed that the province’s mental health score rose to 68.1 from 64.6 in March — a 3.5-point increase — ranking Saskatchewan behind Manitoba at 68.6.
Saskatchewan improved its overall ranking after being behind Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador in January. The upward trend showed that Saskatchewan’s workers, aside from Manitoba’s, are more mentally resilient than those in other provinces.
Overall, sleep quality is the most critical factor affecting mental health in the country, which can impact workplace performance, mood and well-being. The study’s results reveal national patterns of how deeply intertwined rest, stress management and productivity are in maintaining a healthy workplace environment.
Saskatchewan’s respondents listed personal or family responsibilities, financial problems, work-related stress, mental health challenges and physical pain or health issues. Saskatchewan participants, when asked how poor sleep affected their work performance, said it increased mood changes, reduced concentration and made it difficult to manage stress.
Financial stress remained the leading cause of personal stress for the second straight reporting period, with nearly three-quarters of workers expressing a lack of confidence in their financial future, and with women feeling financially vulnerable.
Research and Client Insights Global Leader and TELUS Health vice-president Paula Allen said the study’s results allow employers to take proactive steps to support their employees’ well-being.
She added that Saskatchewan’s data highlights the province’s progress. Still, the need to invest in workplace wellness, financial literacy, and stress management must continue, as these efforts are key to maintaining the province’s upward trend in mental health and ensuring workers continue to perform at their full potential.
Nationally, the report showed a concerning picture of workforce mental health, with one-third of Canadian workers reporting feeling anxious. At the same time, 30 per cent said they felt isolated and lacked emergency savings to cover basic needs.
However, on a positive note, employees showed they want employers who prioritize communication and provide mental health support, with three out of 10 workers saying they would rather receive better mental health and wellness support than a 10 per cent salary increase, highlighting the importance of psychological safety and support in the workplace.
