The Wellness Report 2025 key insights

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The Wellness Report 2025: Key findings to help strengthen employee well-being

The Wellness Report is a comprehensive workplace wellness assessment survey that helps organizations understand their baseline and identify opportunities to better support their employees. 

Insights from 159 organizations and 4,700 employees in Canada highlight the top barriers affecting workplace well being – and where employers can make the biggest impact to support a healthier, more resilient workforce, both today and over the long term. 

 

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Participate in The Wellness Report 2026 and get insight into your employees’ health and wellness – at no cost.

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The Wellness Report 2025 key insights1

Employee well-being directly shapes day-to-day performance, motivation, and productivity.2

46 days lost

Surveyed employees report an average of 46 days of lost productivity annually.

4 in 5 say job duties affect their mental state

More than half also reported burnout or reduced productivity.

52% aren’t meeting physical activity guidelines

Lifestyle challenges continue to affect daily performance. 

What’s getting in the way of better health?

32% say lack of time

19% say mental fatigue

Mental health and work

Work-related mental health risk factors continue to impact employees.

 

4 in 5 employees experience at least one work-related mental health risk factor. 

Many report burnout or reduced productivity – with 57% experiencing burnout some of the time or often, and 57% feeling less productive

 

1 in 3 employees experience loneliness.

Loneliness can raise the risk of chronic conditions and affects both mental and physical health.3

 

Low social connection linked to ~30% higher risk of early death.3

This is comparable to well known health risks like smoking, excessive drinking- and obesity.3

Improving employee mental health

Women and families often have distinct health needs, and offering dedicated support can help  address the added pressures they may experience that contribute to stress, burnout, and time  away from work – and support long-term resilience. 

Learn more about the comprehensive women’s and family health support available. 

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Physical health and lifestyle habits

 

52% are not meeting physical activity guidelines.

 

43% want to improve their eating habits.

 

59% are consuming more alcohol than recommended.

Improving employee physical health

Physical health can influence energy, focus, and daily performance – and when employees are struggling, it can show up as fatigue and reduced capacity at work.  

Consider adding or increasing dietician, physiotherapy, and massage benefits as part of your paramedical coverage. If your benefits plan includes Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), you can also remind employees about the nutritional counselling offered through the program. 

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Financial well-being

 

50% worry about financial planning

 

24% are saving regularly and on track for retirement 

 

19% saving regularly but not on track for retirement

Improving employee financial health

Financial stress can affect concentration, motivation, and decision-making – and is a growing factor in overall employee well-being.4 If your benefits plan includes EFAP, consider promoting the financial guidance offered through the program with your employees. You can also share the Financial Wellness Assessment, a voluntary tool that can help your employees measure their financial wellness. 

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Products and resources*

The right support can make a meaningful difference. Explore the solutions designed to help your workforce stay healthy, supported, and engaged.

The Manulife Mobile app and plan member site also offers personalized recommendations to help employees manage existing conditions, connect with support, and stay motivated to reach their health and wellness goals.

Turn insights into action 

Contact your Manulife representative to add the solutions that help support your employees’ well-being. 

Connect now

Mental health

Mental health practitioner coverage

Coverage for all 6 eligible mental health practitioners**, giving employees access to adequate support.

Mental health & counselling services

Easier access to mental health care directly through the Manulife Mobile app or plan member site.

EFAP counselling and support

Confidential, flexible support for personal or work-related concerns.

Manager Mental Health training

Tools to help people managers recognize, respond to, and help prevent mental health issues in the workplace.

Gender affirmation coverage

As part of our DEI benefits offering, this coverage provides gender affirming procedures, surgeries, and treatment. This inclusive benefit can be part of your organization’s full spectrum DEI strategy, helping you attract and retain talent.

Health and wellness

Women’s and family health support

Comprehensive, 24/7 virtual support addressing family building, maternity, parenting, and midlife health needs.

Healthcare Online

24/7 virtual access to healthcare by phone or computer from anywhere in Canada.

On-site health screenings

Organize voluntary screenings to help employees understand their health status and learn ways to take action.

Wellness sessions

Bring support to employees during work hours, helping address time‑related barriers to healthier habits.

Health Care Spending Account

Flexible coverage that can encourages employees to take proactive steps toward better health.

Financial health

Financial Wellness Assessment

A voluntary assessment for employees.

EFAP financial counselling

Access to financial advice is available through EFAP if included in your benefits plan.

If you’d like to add any of these products and resources to your plan, please reach out to your Manulife representative.

Contact your Manulife representative.

With a benefits plan powered by Manulife, every action can help build towards a healthier future.

*Products listed may be subject to conditions, limitations and exclusions. Coverage amounts, maximums, and practitioner types vary by plan.

**Psychologist, social worker, clinical counsellor, psychotherapist, marriage & family therapist, psychoanalyst. 

The Wellness Report, 2025

2 Canada April 2024 MHI (summary TELUS Health Mental Index - April 2024

3 Loneliness policy brief 2024 

4 Financial Stress-related "Distraction Subtraction" Costing Businesses Billions 2022

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