Mental health in the workplace
Workplaces play a dual role in the area of mental health. On the one hand, they can be a stressful environment that contributes to mental health problems among workers. On the other hand, they can play an important part in helping to detect and manage mental health problems when they arise among workers, and in ensuring the healthy recovery and return of workers who are off work due to a mental health issue. IWH research in this area helps paint a clearer picture of the prevalence of mental health problems among workers, the types of labour force and workplace factors that may contribute to poor mental health, and the workplace-based and system prevention efforts that can help improve the mental health of workers and ensure they have the proper supports when needed.
Featured
Research Highlights
Rises in opioid harms highest in machining, construction, sales
A new study has found that opioid harm rates have increased among injured workers over the last two decades. The study also breaks the trends down by occupation.
Published: October 14, 2026
At Work article
Implementing PTSI programs a challenge for first responder organizations
First responder organizations are developing programs to support members with work-related post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). But implementation can be a challenge. An IWH study, conducted in Alberta, examined implementation barriers and facilitators and resulted in a practical resource.
Published: July 14, 2026
IWH in the media
She hit a breaking point at work and she’s not alone. Inside Canada’s worrying rise in mental health leave
There has been a rise in the number of Canadian workers going on short-term disability leave of all kinds since the pandemic, and experts say an increase in mental health leave is largely responsible, writes business reporter Estella Ren. Injury and leave data provided by IWH's Dr. Peter Smith help paint the picture.
Published: The Toronto Star, June 2026
IWH in the media
Work stressors a major drag on productivity: report
An article about a Manulife report also references a 2019 study by IWH. It found better workplace conditions are linked not only with lower risks of mental illnesses, but also much improved worker mental health.
Published: Workers Health & Safety Centre, June 2026
At Work article
Mental health challenges cost employers over $100 billion a year
According to a new report, the annual cost of mental health challenges in Canada is estimated to be $180 billion. Most of these costs are borne by employers and businesses, and are directed toward reactive responses to mental health conditions, rather than proactive approaches or treatment.
Published: June 2026
Project
Project
Addressing suicide and substance use in construction: A Canadian industry-research partnership
This project establishes a national partnership among researchers, industry stakeholders, and mental health experts to co-produce evidence needed to inform and prioritize actionable strategies to reduce the burden of suicide and substance use in the construction workforce.
Status: Ongoing
IWH in the media
Construction sector faces 'crisis' as poor mental health, suicide, substance use harms grow
Compared to the overall labour force in Ontario and Alberta, construction workers are almost twice as likely to die because of suicide and are two and a half times as likely to die because of substance use. Those are some of the early findings from a new analysis by the Institute for Work and Health, which identifies what some are calling a crisis among construction workers, writes Lindsay Kelly.
Published: Northern Ontario Business, May 2026
Tools and guides
Implementation strategies for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) programs in first responder workplaces
The prevalence of post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) among first responders is extremely high, often leading to work disability. While many first responder organizations are developing PTSI policies and programs, they have noted the challenges they face in program implementation in the workplace. To better understand these experiences and challenges, an IWH research team conducted a study with stakeholders from first responder organizations in Alberta, Canada. Based on the findings and on existing implementation frameworks, this resource provides an overview of key implementation steps to consider when planning, implementing/delivering) and maintaining/sustaining PTSI programs in the workplace.
Published: May 2026
IWH in the media
What Canadian employers can learn from Australian peers about supporting workers’ psychological health
When it comes to employees’ psychological health, Australian employers are increasingly focusing on reducing psychosocial risks in the workplace — and there are lessons for Canadian employers in this approach, writes Blake Wolfe, reporting on a webinar presentation by Dr. Peter Smith hosted by the Institute for Work & Health, during a webinar hosted by the organization on Tuesday.
Published: Benefits Canada, May 2026
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series
Preventing and managing work-related psychological injuries in Canada and Australia
As work-related psychological injuries continue to increase, both in number and costs compared to physical injuries, interest has also been growing about different approaches across jurisdictions to prevent and manage these conditions. An Institute for Work & Health team recently conducted a modified environmental scan across 22 jurisdictions in Canada and Australia. In this presentation, lead researcher Dr. Peter Smith shares the results from this project. He also outlines other relevant research from IWH on psychosocial work factors and challenges in return to work for work-related psychological conditions.
Published: May 2026
IWH in the media
Why safety data is now a strategic imperative for HR leaders
When HR and occupational health and safety (OHS) data are managed in concert, organizations gain a richer picture of workforce health – particularly in recognition of employee mental health as key to productivity and success. That was one of IWH's Dr. Peter Smith's comments in an article by Jeffrey R. Smith on why safety data is a strategic imperative for HR.
Published: Human Resources Director Canada, May 2026
Issue Briefing
System-level approaches to preventing and managing work-related psychological injuries
Work-related psychological injuries are associated with longer durations, higher costs, and more complex return-to-work processes than physical injuries. While governments and system partners are investing in prevention and management strategies, approaches vary considerably. This project looked at how different jurisdictions in Canada and Australia prevent workplace psychosocial hazards, define and compensate psychological injuries, and support workers through recovery and return to work.
Published: May 2026