Mind the Gap:
Mental Health Disparities Across Canada's Employment Sectors
ABOUT THE REPORT
The data in this report draws on MHRC data from the national population polling initiative, “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians”.
To compare workplace mental health across employment sectors, we grouped survey participants based on the 2022 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS ).
For a detailed description of the methods used in this report, please click here.
Mental health in the workplace is not just a personal concern; it is a core driver of productivity, innovation, and economic stability.
Mental health challenges exist in every sector, but which ones have the widest gaps between mental health needs and access to support? This report examines the current state of mental health across different sectors of the Canadian economy, and offers practical guidance for employers, policymakers, and Canadians to build healthier, stronger workplaces now and for the future.
Key findings
Your job can shape your mental health — and some sectors carry far heavier burdens. Our data shows us that stress, burnout, and mental health challenges aren’t evenly distributed across Canada’s workforce.
Health workers have the highest burnout rates, yet some of the lowest rates of access to support. The people caring for our communities are burning out the fastest. One-size-fits-all mental health solutions aren’t meeting their needs.
Needing help and getting help are not the same thing. Thousands of Canadian workers are falling through the gaps, and the data shows exactly where.
Why This Matters
Behind every job title is a person carrying real stress, real responsibilities, and sometimes, real barriers to getting help. When support does not match the needs of workers, people burn out, teams struggle, and entire sectors suffer. Understanding where the gaps are is the first step to building healthier, more resilient workplaces across Canada. This report shines a spotlight on where change is most urgently needed.