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Canadian professionals are more burnt out than last year, report finds

Schedule flexibility has created a sense that people need to be available at all times, making it harder to disconnect from work.
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More than half of professionals are working longer hours than pre-pandemic times, a new study shows.

More than a third of Canadians are more burnt out now than compared to a year ago, according to a new report from Robert Half Canada.

The consulting firm surveyed more than 500 Canadian professionals, exploring the issue of burnout in the workplace.

The study also revealed the demographics that are more likely to report an increase in burnout:

  • 42 per cent of millennial professionals
  • 42 per cent of early-career professionals (have been at the company for two to four years) and;
  • 51 per cent of professionals based in Calgary, and 38 per cent in Vancouver

And despite the growing number of professionals experiencing burnout, about 45 per cent don’t feel comfortable sharing this truth with their employers.

"The labour market remains incredibly tight and now, more than ever, managers need to focus on the health and wellness of their teams and take steps to reduce work-related stress,” said David King, Canadian senior managing director of Robert Half, in a press release.

“This includes scheduling ongoing check-ins, prioritizing critical work and maintaining a culture that encourages employees to share if they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed.”

The study also found that 74 per cent of professionals who have flexible schedules are working longer hours than pre-pandemic times.

“For some employees, schedule flexibility has created a sense that they need to be available at all times, making it more challenging to fully disconnect from work," said King.

"It's important for managers to lead by example and demonstrate a true commitment to work-life balance, including proactively encouraging staff to prioritize personal commitments and take breaks and time off."