The COVID-19 pandemic has been taking a toll on people for a while, and a new study has revealed that more than a third of Canadians are feeling the symptoms of burnout. New research by Mental Health Research Canada — commissioned by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health — examined how Canadian employees are feeling at work. They found that five industries are experiencing higher rates of burnout than 35 per cent, which is the national average.
According to the study, employees who work in health and patient care experienced the highest burnout rate at 53 per cent. Among these workers, 66 per cent of nurses and 61 per cent of mental health professionals reported burnout.
Related: This is How She Does It: This ER nurse makes $67K and opens up about healthcare during the pandemic.
In other industries, first responders reported a 36 per cent burnout rate, transportation workers reported a 40 per cent burnout rate, finance, legal and insurance workers had a 39 per cent burnout rate, and education and childcare workers were at 38 per cent.
The research also found that burnout is highest among younger women, particularly those who are employed in managerial or unionized positions. They also found that burnout was high among visible minorities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals and people struggling with mental illness or chronic pain.
Related: 10 signs you’re heading for a burnout diagnosis and 5 ways to rectify it.
“The elements that are usually present with burnout are emotional exhaustion,” Mary Ann Baynton of Workplace Strategies for Mental Health told CTV News. She also added that productivity and performance at work are also affected.
To help prevent burnout, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health has offered some tools and strategies for employers, including:
- Taking breaks during work
- Connecting with others
- Enjoying life outside of work by connecting with people outside of the workplace and participating in non-work activities
