Workplace stress is at an all-time high: 9 ways employers can help

April 27, 2026

Jessica Bowes

Young businessman sitting at his desk experiencing stress during a late night at work

Employee stress levels, which rose sharply during the pandemic, continue on an upward trajectory, according to a survey from Statistics Canada.¹ More than 20% of Canadian employees (4.1 million people) reported high or very high levels of work-related stress.

Workload and work-life balance were the highest stressors reported by survey respondents. Organizations have been drastically impacted by change over the last few years. Lack of resources, long hours, training and retention are some of the factors contributing to workload and increasing stress levels. Those stressors don't disappear the minute you walk out the door.

Personal stress is also at an all-time high. Many people are carrying significant pressures related to the rising cost of food, housing, and essential supplies, high interest rates, concerns about their family’s well-being, and the growing impact of wildfires, smoke, flooding, and other extreme weather events. These personal stressors don’t stay at home when employees come to work. Work-related and personal stress overlap and accumulate, increasing the overall strain on individuals and, ultimately, on the workplace.

When stress becomes overwhelming, it can lead to fatigue, sleep disruption, illness, mental health challenges, and difficulty concentrating. In the workplace, these impacts often show up as reduced productivity and efficiency, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover. It is in an employer’s best interest to recognize the significant stress load many employees are carrying, take steps to reduce workplace stressors, and support employees in managing their overall stress. Below are nine practical ways employers can do exactly that.

9 ways to help reduce workplace stress

Make sure your workplace is psychologically healthy. A heavy workload and poor work-life balance are only two factors that can increase employee stress. Other factors can include poor leadership skills, a toxic organizational culture, lack of communication, racism or bias and poor growth opportunities. Take a look at all 13 factors that can affect stress levels and mental well-being, and take steps to improve the psychological health of your workplace.
Embrace flexible work hours. Flexible scheduling can be a win-win for both employers and employees. Rather than asking employees to take a full day off, which can disrupt production or staffing levels, flexible hours allow them to adjust their start or end times to manage personal responsibilities such as childcare or medical appointments. This approach helps employees meet life demands while ensuring work is completed, and business operations continue smoothly.
Institute a good change management plan. Change can trigger feelings of fear and a lack of control among employees, creating stress. If you are making changes, like introducing new technology, communicate all aspects of how it will work, what the benefits are, and how people will be trained.
Provide opportunities for employees to discuss their concerns and ask questions. It’s important to acknowledge and understand what employees are feeling about the stresses they are under, and to show compassion. Try informal team chats in person or online, conduct surveys or meet with employees directly.
Provide leadership training. Equip leaders with the proper skills to lead their team, build trust, create a positive safety culture and encourage engagement.
Review workloads. If an employee feels overwhelmed, reduce their workload or help them prioritize. Set reasonable deadlines.
Create opportunities for connection. Connecting with others can alleviate feelings of stress, depression and isolation. So whether your employees work at the office or at home, make sure you arrange coffee chats, team meetings, or other ways to connect. Be creative.
Prioritize your employees’ mental health and well-being. Encourage employees to take vacations, get adequate rest, eat properly, use your EAP services, and participate in the health, wellness and stress reduction programs you offer. Consider offering resiliency training as well.
Connect employees with community resources. View a list of free mental health supports in Ontario to share with your employees.