Nearly one-third of Canadian workers feeling tired or overworked

Many workers feel they are exerting far too much effort at work, and some are considering moving on to new employment, according to a recent report.

More than half (53%) of Canadian employees have a negative feeling about work, and 30% feel tired and overworked, reports ADP Canada.

Almost a quarter (23%) of workers are considering exploring better opportunities.

“The survey results re-affirm the need for employers to connect with workers. Face-to-face time, coaching sessions and regular check-ins – particularly with the younger workforce, can help employers build trust and be better equipped to support their teams,” says Ed Yuen, vice president for strategy and HR outsourcing at ADP Canada.

Seven in ten (70%) workers in Canada report feeling stressed because of inflation and the economy.

Nearly half (49%) of Canadians currently employed full time say they feel fatigued at the end of a regular workday, according to a previous study.

Trust between workers, managers

Workers feel fatigued even though 58% of them indicate that their workplaces take their goals and feedback seriously, up from 53% last year, finds ADP Canada’s survey of 1,842 Canadian workers in September.

Over four in ten (42%) meet with their managers or management teams weekly, and 74% say they feel comfortable going to their manager to voice concerns.

Over three-quarters (77%) of employees trust their managers, and 82% of managers also report having trust in employees. 

However, 72% of managers say they believe their employees are happy.

As a result, while 39% of workers believe they are in the right workplace, 22% are considering exploring better opportunities.

Reducing employee fatigue

“Positive year-over-year progress in feedback, trust and comfort between managers and employees in the Canadian workplace is promising to see,” says Yuen. “However, with more than half of workers feeling negatively towards their workplace, it suggests additional opportunities for employers to reassess and develop current workplace practices including regular one-on-one check-ins, flexible schedules and open conversations regarding compensation and benefits for current and potential employees.”

In a Robert Half report released in December 2022, 25% of employees admitted to online shopping before the holidays and 61% reported being distracted planning their winter vacations.

Employers are responsible for eliminating – or at the very least, helping employees cope with work fatigue, according to Indeed.

“While you can’t control the things that increase fatigue after hours, you can enhance your work environment to reduce the symptoms of feeling tired and exhausted,” it says. 

Here are some ways employers can help employees feel less tired at work, according to Indeed:

• Encourage break times.
• Educate your employees on good sleep hygiene.
• Cut longer shifts into multiple shifts.
• Offer insurance to cover sleep disorders.
• Promote a healthy work-life balance.