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.
The Wellness Report 2025 key insights1
Employee well-being directly shapes day-to-day performance, motivation, and productivity.2
What's getting in the way of better health?
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
1 The Wellness Report, 2025
2 Canada April 2024 MHI (opens in a new tab) (summary TELUS Health Mental Index - April 2024 (opens in a new tab))
The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife). Group Benefits products are provided by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Manulife, Stylized M Design, and Manulife & Stylized M Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under licence. PO Box 2580, STN B Montreal QC H3B 5C6. © 2026 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved.