{"id":4375,"date":"2025-06-05T14:36:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T18:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cicp-pcpob\/?p=4375"},"modified":"2025-06-09T11:55:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T15:55:28","slug":"mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cicp-pcpob\/2025\/mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health in the Charitable Sector: A Growing Concern"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Mental Health in the Charitable Sector: A Growing Concern\n <\/h1>\n \n \n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Charitable organizations drive meaningful change in their communities, but behind the scenes, the people powering these vital efforts are facing an alarming mental health crisis.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The State of Mental Health in the Charitable Sector<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A 2024 YMCA Workwell<\/a> report found that 58% of nonprofit employees and 71% of nonprofit leaders are experiencing burnout. One in five nonprofit employees is considering leaving their position, with 41% citing burnout as the primary reason. These findings are echoed in a February 2024 Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) survey<\/a>, which revealed that 76% of charities have seen a rise in mental health challenges among their staff and volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response, many charities are taking action \u2013 57% have increased investments in mental health initiatives over the past year, a number that climbs to 66% among organizations reporting worsening mental health trends (CICP survey no. 2.02.03<\/a>). <\/em>However, mental health initiatives alone aren\u2019t enough. <\/ins>Worker mental health is shaped by a complex mix of factors inside and outside the workplace. To create lasting change, charities must also address working conditions, workload levels and financial stability \u2013 critical factors in preventing staff burnout before it begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workplace Conditions, Pay, and Caregiving: Key Factors Affecting Mental Health<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Research from Telus Health<\/a> highlights that employees fare better when they have comprehensive employee benefits, equitable pay, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Yet, more than half of employer-funded benefits in Canada fail to meet employees’ needs. Gender equity also plays a major role. The Telus report found that when women feel they are paid equitably compared to men, their mental health scores are four points higher than the national average. Caregiving responsibilities further intensify mental health challenges. Women are 70% more likely to be primary caregivers, and employees who are primary caregivers report mental health scores seven points lower than those without. This is particularly relevant to the charitable sector, where women represent most of the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charities Facing Staffing, Service, and Funding Struggles Report Worse Mental Health Outcomes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Findings from the CICP research also demonstrate the need for a systemic, multifaceted approach to addressing the mental health challenges of charitable sector workers. A cross comparison of data on mental health challenges with other survey data shows that organizations facing high employee turnover, excessive service demand, or financial instability are more likely to experience increased mental health challenges among staff and volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Staff Turnover and Mental Health<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In July 2024, the CICP asked charities to estimate their employee turnover<\/a> for the previous year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n