Beyond World Mental Health Day: Survey findings reveal urgent need for Mental Health action in workplaces

Toronto – October 10, 2025 – October 10 is World Mental Health Day, which is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health. Globally, close to 1 billion people are living with a mental illness.

Clearly, then, a focus on mental health is needed now more than ever: workplace health and safety includes mental health. Given that, on any given week, 500,000 Canadians are unable to work due to mental illnesses, it is vital for employers to provide support to workers who are experiencing a mental illness, and to work with employees and their union to develop an effective workplace mental health strategy.

UFCW Canada believes that mental health promotion belongs to all of us, because no one is immune to mental illness, regardless of your occupation, gender, ethnicity, or any other marker of your identity.

Earlier this year, over 1,400 UFCW members across Canada participated in the 2025 Mental Health Survey, sharing their experiences on the job, at home, and in their communities. The survey sheds light on how mental health is discussed in the workplace, what supports are available, and the barriers members still face in getting help.

Findings include how abusive leadership, discriminatory behaviour, and lack of accountability as key sources of workplace stress. Many do not feel safe speaking up, and when they do, complaints about management are often ignored or dismissed. Basic Working conditions are eroding mental health: unreasonable schedules, missed breaks, short-staffing, and job insecurity are recurring issues, and these issues are consistently linked to stress, burnout, and poor mental health outcomes. The union needs to continue to lead on this issue and put mental health advocacy first and foremost.

To be released later this October, the UFCW Canada 2025 Mental Health Survey is a call to action. By listening to members and acting on their experiences through bargaining, education, and advocacy, UFCW Canada continues to lead the way toward safer, more inclusive, and mentally healthier workplaces across the country.