Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Spring 2022)
Report by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Corner
This is the first article of a three-article ongoing report from the CCOHS. I felt it necessary to pass this complete article on because of the growing stress in the world today and the need to address workplace stress in general.
Daniel Beal – CHSEP Advanced
CEO of HRS Group Inc.
After six months at her new job, Amira’s office went completely remote. At first, she welcomed being able to work from home and reclaim the personal time she used to spend commuting. The flexibility, however, seemed to come at a price.
To show her supervisor she’s just as productive at home, Amira makes sure she’s always available to answer calls and responds quickly to messages and e-mails – even if they come in well outside her working hours. With no clear separation between her work life and home life, Amira struggles to be present with friends and family. She’s always a little fatigued, which makes it impossible to get through her task list before her workday ends.
T avoid the stress, fatigue, and burnout that comes with the pressure of being “always on,” workers need support from their employers to fully disconnect from work.
What Prevents Disconnecting?
According to the Privy Council Office Survey from August 2020, forty-three percent of workers in Canada check their work email outside of standard working hours. One in three answers emails, calls, or texts, and 28 percent perform other work-related duties. Many cite being available to supervisors and stakeholders as an expectation that comes with their job. Others send texts and emails in their personal time to manage a heavy workload, or due to irregular working hours.
Not being able to disconnect for a sustained period of time can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety. There is also a concern that employers could reward workers who don’t disconnect.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Stress in the Workplace’, and ‘Violence and Harassment in the Workplace’.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.