Discover the link between mental wellbeing and productivity this Mental Health Awareness Month, with TELUS Health Care Centres.

Your business is built on your ability to connect, negotiate, and lead through uncertainty. This can often include working longer hours, taking less breaks, and putting work ahead of your personal needs. While the “hustle” is often celebrated in the industry, the latest data emphasizes the importance of balancing a strong work ethic with mindful self-care.

The 2026 productivity gap

The Q3 2025 TELUS Mental Health Index reveals a stark reality: nearly 29% of Canadian workers report that their mental health is negatively affecting their work productivity. This drop in output is often linked to other negative consequences, such as anxiety, depression, and a lack of optimism for the future, impacting how you’re able to show up in your professional and personal life.¹ 

Furthermore, the data shows that workers in unsupportive environments lose an average of 55 days per year to mental health challenges, compared to just 27 days for those with optimal support ². For a REALTOR®, “losing” nearly two months of the year to burnout or mental fatigue is a risk that few can afford.

Leading by example

Our February 2026 Mental Health Barometer report highlights that strong, ‘humane’ leadership, which includes how you manage yourself, can boost mental health scores and work-life balance.³ Achieving psychological safety at work through honest communication, higher autonomy and a collaborative mindset can also provide you with the fuel to contribute and be productive. 

Conversely, hidden stressors like financial anxiety can have the opposite effect. Workers without emergency savings or those facing variable income stress score 35 points lower on mental health measures⁴  than those who feel financially secure. Identifying these stressors early is the key to getting ahead and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Steps you can take today

Think of your mental wellbeing as a home inspection. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a structural issue in a listing, you shouldn’t ignore the “hidden leaks” in your own stress levels.

Actionable steps include:

• Standardize Check-ins: Don’t wait for a crisis. 22% of Canadians delay seeking help simply because they don’t know where to start.⁵
• Taking breaks: Setting clear boundaries, such as phone-free windows or scheduled movement, can improve your work-life balance
• Leveraging Expert Support: Seeking help can be a valuable step towards effectively identifying and managing your stressors. For instance, a wellbeing assessment conducted by our trained mental health clinicians can help you understand and manage your wellbeing with personalized suggestions.

Taking control of your wellbeing

Successful REALTORS® know that to take care of their clients, they must first take care of themselves. Preventive health services, such as those available through TELUS Health Care Centres, can serve as a valuable tool in your wellness journey. Alongside improved work-life balance and shifts in daily habits, personalized insights into your physical and mental health can help with optimizing your total wellbeing.

Visit telus.com/health to learn more.

• TELUS Mental Health Index, Sept 2025
• https://www.benefitscanada.com/news/bencan/canadian-workers-mental-health-declining-in-2025-due-to-burnout-financial-stress-report/ 
• 2026 TELUS Mental Health Barometer
• https://worldatwork.org/publications/workspan-daily/why-mental-health-should-be-a-workplace-strategic-priority-in-2026 
• 2026 TELUS Mental Health Barometer