Study Links Workplace Health to Productivity

- The study, a collaboration between Sodexo Canada and Leger, found that happy employees are 13% more productive. This comes as Canadian business productivity fell by 0.6% over the past five years, in stark contrast to a 10.1% increase in the United States during the same period. - Canada's productivity growth has been among the lowest in the G7 for the last two decades, with output per hour worked increasing by less than 20%, compared to 33% in the U.S. - A majority (58%) of Canadian employees rate their physical and mental health as good or excellent, and three out of ten describe their overall well-being as fair. However, men are more likely to rate their workplace well-being highly than women (66% vs. 51%). - Burnout is a significant factor, with 39% of Canadian employees reporting feeling burnt out in 2025. This carries a substantial cost for employers, estimated at between $5,500 and $28,500 per worker annually. - Companies that proactively invest in burnout prevention measures see a burnout rate of 27%, compared to 47% in workplaces that do not. This can result in savings of about $3,400 per employee. - The most effective wellness supports, according to employees, are paid time off (69%), personal days (58%), and flexible schedules (52%). Social events and awareness programs were ranked as far less helpful. - Future trends in workplace wellness for 2026 and beyond are expected to focus on personalization, mental health normalization, and flexible work arrangements. There is a growing demand for holistic, integrated programs that support physical, mental, emotional, and financial health. - The study was a collaboration between Sodexo, a facilities management and food services company, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and SHAPE Global, a well-being science organization.