Mental fatigue is a major contributing factor to low productivity—costing the equivalent of more than a month in lost work. 

By Gillian Manning 

Health issues cost employees, which costs employers. A new report from Manulife Canada, a benefits provider, determined that 3% of total working time is lost to absences related to health issues and 19% of working time is affected by health-related productivity challenges. 

This ultimately equates to 46 lost working days per employee every year under a five-day work week. 

The biggest drivers of those health issues, according to The Wellness Report, are fatigue, stress, and burnout. Most of the nearly 4,700 surveyed employees—80% of them—said work contributes to their current mental state, and 57% reported experiencing burnout at least sometimes. Another 57% said it affects their performance at work.  

This bleeds into other areas. More than half of employees (53%) reported poor sleep quality. About a third (32%) cited lack of time as the primary barrier to improving their physical health, and 19% said mental fatigue is the biggest barrier to improving their mental health.  

“Losing the equivalent of 46 working days per employee isn’t just a productivity issue, it tells us people are struggling in ways we don’t always see,” said Ashesh Desai, head of group benefits at Manulife Canada. “Employees are still showing up, but burnout and mental fatigue are limiting how they contribute and perform. That gives employers a clear opportunity to make a meaningful difference and better support their teams.” 

Manulife Canada recommends not just providing benefits, but also educating employees on the benefits currently available to them. 

“Benefits are a strong foundation,” adds Desai. “But the real impact comes when employees know what’s available to them and feel confident using those supports. When access is simple and timely, people are much more likely to get help early, setting them up to stay healthy, engaged, and at their best.” 

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