Q: Many of my colleagues are feeling burnt out and unhappy. I have also heard similar comments from family and friends working at other companies. Is this a trend across the country?
A: Burnout and emotional depletion are impacting workplaces nationwide.
ADP Canada’s Happiness@Work Index for March found that the national work happiness score was 6.8/10, reflecting a 0.1–point decrease from the previous month, but unchanged from this time last year.
The index further showed that work-life balance and flexibility scored 6.9/10; recognition and support 6.7/10; compensation and benefits 6.4/10; and options for career advancement 6.3/10.
Additionally, the report stated that 48 per cent of workers in Canada are satisfied with their current role and responsibilities.
The index is measured monthly and is conducted by Harris Poll Canada on behalf of ADP Canada. It surveys more than 1,200 randomly selected employed Canadian adults, including the self-employed.
Overall happiness trend
According to the World Happiness Report 2026, in 2025 Canada ranked 25th among the countries that are happiest, out of 147 countries, showing a downward trend from ranking 18th just a year prior.
The country’s highest ranking occurred in 2011, when Canada ranked 5th out of 156 countries. In 2014, it ranked 5th again, out of 158 countries.
The study examines themes such as social support, healthy life expectancy, and freedom impacting respondents from around the world.
The report noted that people younger than 25 are especially unhappy, with researchers connecting the trend to the increased use of cellphones and social media.
The World Happiness Report is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in a collaboration with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, along with an independent editorial board.
Both surveys depict a trend of unhappiness in and outside of the workplace.
Key takeaways
The Happiness@Work Index reported that 62 per cent of workers believe tax season is increasing their stress levels.
When respondents were asked about the resources and support employers provide to help them manage financial stress, 31 per cent (about a third) of employees reported that they have received retirement benefits or employer contributions to retirement plans.
Meanwhile, a quarter of respondents said their employers offer bonuses/performance incentives in an effort to support their financial well-being, but only 18 per cent (less than a fifth) of respondents said financial wellness programs or workshops are made available to them.
These figures provide an opportunity for employers to help their employees feel more supported.
This includes taking steps such as reviewing and/or implementing wellness programs and increasing check-ins to hear and potentially address any concerns an employee may be having in the workplace.
Educational resources may also be of benefit to help an employee feel further supported and confident in their role, along with a review of retirement benefits and any applicable performance incentives.
Overall, managing workloads and fostering positive and supportive environments can help address burnout, which in turn will likely increase productivity in the workplace.
