Getting into a profession is a highly coveted achievement. It’s what every parent encourages of their children, because these are considered the ‘good jobs.’ Yet, the stressful and demanding nature of their work takes a toll on their mental health.
Research we conducted in Canada reveals that there are high levels of work stress and workloads among professional workers, particularly during the pandemic. Women in the professions report significantly higher rates of work stress as well as life stress, related to the time pressures they experience and caring for children.
We also found that stigma surrounding the disclosure of mental health among professional workers prevents many from taking a leave of absence to address these concerns.
Take health professions for example. Health professional workers report higher levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and substance use than the general public. As a result, health professionals have higher rates of absenteeism due to illness and injury than those in other occupations.
Factors that encouraged health professionals to take a mental health leave included having supportive colleagues, supervisors and family. Support from colleagues and supervisors, as well as supportive workplace policies, programs and services and workplace accommodations, were also cited as factors making it easier for health professionals to return after taking a leave.
Overall, our study results underscore the need to recognize and de-stigmatize the mental health issues experienced by professional workers, as well as among their colleagues and employers.
Further, there is a need to take a gender-sensitive approach to develop more targeted and appropriate workplace mental health promotion initiatives that take professional workers full lives into account.
To hear the audio podcast, visit:
https://academicminute.org/2025/01/ivy-bourgeault-university-of-ottawa-the-mental-well-being-of-professional-workers/
