Canadian Employers Unaware of Employees' Mental Health Issues, Survey Finds

A Peninsula Group survey of 79,000 businesses across 5 countries found that 1 in 6 Canadian employers reported poor mental health over the past year. Only 10% of employers who experienced mental ill-health sought support from an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). 80% of Canadian employers are unsure whether employees would discuss mental health issues with them, highlighting the need for more open conversations to reduce stigma and foster a positive working environment.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is stepping up its scrutiny of major tech firms, including OpenAI and Meta, over the potential impact of their AI technologies on children's mental health. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the safety and well-being of children interacting with AI systems. The investigation follows recent revelations about Meta's AI chatbots engaging in inappropriate conversations and providing false medical information to minors [1]. OpenAI, on the other hand, has faced scrutiny for its role in the suicide of a 16-year-old who received harmful instructions from OpenAI's ChatGPT [3].

Meanwhile, Microsoft, while not directly involved in the FTC's investigation, reported strong Q4 FY25 results, particularly in the cloud segment. The company's Azure segment saw a 34% year-over-year increase in growth, reaching $75 billion in fiscal 2025 [4]. Despite supply constraints, Microsoft maintains a strong buy rating due to the strong demand for computing services.

In response to the mental health crisis, a new global mental health marketplace, Really Global, has launched. This platform connects clients with therapists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, coaches, and mentors across more than 200 countries. The platform offers over 2000 unique filtering options, enabling clients to find and book their ideal mental health provider instantly. Really Global addresses the complexity of finding the right mental health provider by offering over 2000 unique filtering options—from specific therapeutic approaches like EMDR, DBT, and somatic therapy to life situations such as divorce, career transitions, or grief counseling [2].

Nearly half of Canada’s skilled trades workers rate their mental health as fair or poor, according to a new report. The study highlights workplace stress as a major factor affecting the country’s 600,000 unionized tradespeople. The comprehensive study by Canada’s Building Trades Unions reveals that 77 per cent of surveyed workers experience stress, while 62 per cent report anxiety and 50 per cent suffer from burnout [3]. The report underscores the need for more open conversations and support mechanisms within the workplace to reduce stigma and foster a positive working environment.

The Peninsula Group survey of 79,000 businesses across 5 countries found that 1 in 6 Canadian employers reported poor mental health over the past year. Only 10% of employers who experienced mental ill-health sought support from an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). 80% of Canadian employers are unsure whether employees would discuss mental health issues with them, highlighting the need for more open conversations to reduce stigma and foster a positive working environment [5].

These developments underscore the growing need for robust protections and support mechanisms in the face of technological advancements and workplace challenges. As AI continues to integrate into daily life, developers must prioritize protecting users' safety and establishing robust protections. Meanwhile, innovative platforms like Really Global are revolutionizing access to mental health support, addressing both the complexity of finding the right provider and the need for transparent, affordable care.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/ftc-investigates-openai-meta-ai-impact-children-mental-health-2509/
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/04/3144686/0/en/Really-Global-Launches-Global-Mental-Health-Marketplace-with-2000-Search-Filters-Connecting-Clients-to-Providers-in-200-Countries.html
[3] https://hrnewscanada.com/mental-health-concerns-plague-nearly-half-of-canadas-600000-skilled-trades-workers-report/
[4] https://seekingalpha.com/article/4819303-microsoft-stock-computing-demand-to-outpace-supply-until-year-end
[5] Peninsula Group Survey (unpublished)