More than half of Canadians surveyed say they have felt burned out or emotionally drained over the past year, while many are turning to credit, skipping essentials or working additional hours without pay as financial and workplace pressures mount.
The findings come from a Harris & Partners survey of 1,731 Canadians that examined how financial pressures, job demands and economic instability are affecting mental health, well-being and daily decisions.
The survey found 58 per cent of respondents reported feeling burned out or emotionally drained in the past 12 months, while 76.3 per cent said their mental health had been negatively affected by job or financial stress during the same period.
Financial pressures were also reflected in respondents' day-to-day decisions. About 36.9 per cent said they had skipped meals or essentials to make ends meet, while 33.1 per cent said they had used credit to cover basic expenses such as groceries or rent.
The survey also found that 21.4 per cent had taken on additional duties without additional pay and 14.7 per cent had worked unpaid overtime.
“These findings paint a concerning picture of how stretched Canadians are right now,” says Joshua Harris, CEO of Harris & Partners.
“Burnout, debt, and unpaid labour are becoming part of everyday life. It’s unsustainable and it’s taking a significant toll on people’s mental health.”
Workloads rising
More than half of respondents, or 52.6 per cent, said their workload had increased over the past year.
The survey said many of those workers were not being fairly compensated for the additional demands, with respondents reporting increased duties, unpaid overtime and greater financial strain.
“We're seeing the consequences of a ‘do more for less’ culture,” Harris explains.
“Whether it’s working extra hours without pay or turning to credit just to afford the basics, people are sacrificing their wellbeing to keep up and that’s simply not sustainable.”
The pressures are also affecting how Canadians use their time and whether they seek care.
The survey found 34.4 per cent of respondents had delayed taking holidays or personal time off, while 20.3 per cent had struggled to pay bills on time.
Another 14.1 per cent said they had postponed seeking medical or mental health support, and 13.7 per cent said they had delayed seeing friends or family.
Financial pressure was also linked to decisions about employment. More than half of respondents, or 54.5 per cent, said financial pressure had made them consider changing jobs or careers. Another 11.4 per cent said they had already done so because of financial pressure.
“When people start skipping meals, missing medical care, or isolating from loved ones, it’s clear we’re beyond a short-term issue,” Harris adds.
“This is a long-term pressure cooker that needs real solutions.”
Support remains unclear
The survey also found that many Canadians are uncertain about where to seek assistance if their financial circumstances deteriorate.
Nearly one-third of respondents, or 29.2 per cent, said they would not know where to turn if their financial situation became unmanageable. Only 39.3 per cent said they felt confident about where to get help.
“Too many people are suffering in silence,” Harris says.
“We need more accessible education, stronger financial safety nets, and wider awareness of the professional support that is available especially Licensed Insolvency Trustees who can provide impartial advice.”
Harris & Partners conducted the survey in August 2026 among 1,731 Canadians aged 18 and older. The survey examined the effects of financial pressures, job demands and economic instability on respondents' mental health, well-being and daily decisions.