New Sunlife data shows mental health practitioner claims have climbed nearly 3.5 times since 2019, while workplace savings balances have grown by more than 30 per cent across nearly every industry since 2022
TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canadians are making greater use of workplace benefits while continuing to build savings through workplace plans, according to new Sunlife research. The findings point to rising demand for mental health support alongside growth in workplace savings balances, highlighting one way employers can support health and financial well-being.
The latest Designed for Health report tracks a rapid rise in demand for mental health and chronic condition support. Together with findings from Designed for Savings - Industry Focus, the data shows:
- Mental health practitioner claims have climbed nearly 3.5 times since 2019.
- The share of employees making a mental health practitioner claim has risen approximately 2.5 times.
- Employees under 30 recorded the fastest growth, with mental health practitioner claims more than tripling.
- Use is also rising for medications that treat diabetes, depression, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- One in three Canadians living with diabetes says the condition makes it harder to save, and 28 per cent have delayed major life goals.
- Average plan member's workplace savings balances have grown by more than 30 per cent across nearly every industry since 20221.
- More than half of surveyed plan members count workplace savings as a main source of retirement income.
"The data shows that Canadians are seeking more support for mental health and chronic conditions," said Erin Crump, Vice-President, Market Development, Sunlife Health. "We know that health and financial security are inseparable. When people can access mental health support, manage chronic conditions and build savings, they're better equipped to navigate life's challenges and strengthen their overall well-being."
Mental health demand is accelerating
Employees are using workplace health benefits more, and the pace of growth demands attention. Greater awareness, improved access to care and reduced stigma may all contribute but the claims data also points to significant and increasingly complex health needs.
Since 2019, mental health practitioner claims have climbed nearly 3.5 times and the share of employees making a claim has risen approximately 2.5 times. Employees under 30 show the fastest increase, with claims more than tripling. These figures show both the scale of demand and the need to connect employees to appropriate care sooner.
"The increase among employees under 30 is particularly striking, with mental health practitioner claims more than tripling since 2019," said Erin Crump. "It's a clear signal that younger employees are seeking appropriate care earlier, before their health needs become more complex."
More employees are using medications to treat diabetes, depression, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, conditions that often require sustained care and can affect attendance, productivity and financial resilience.
Health challenges can quickly erode financial security. One in three Canadians living with diabetes says the condition makes it harder to save, and 28 per cent have delayed major life goals. Earlier, easier access to support can help employees manage their health before the financial impact deepens.
Workplace savings balances have grown across industries
Workplace savings balances have increased by more than 30 per cent across nearly every industry since 2022, highlighting the impact of regular contributions, long-term investing and sustained participation.
More than half of surveyed plan members identify workplace savings as a main source of retirement income, underscoring the importance many Canadians place on these plans. In 2025, Capital Accumulation Plan members retired at an average age of 63.7, compared with a national average of 65.1 and a private-sector average of 66.
"The workplace is one of the most powerful platforms we have to improve financial outcomes at scale," said Joe De Dominicis, Vice-President Market Development, Group Retirement Services, Sunlife. "Access matters, but the opportunity goes further. Well-designed plans, practical guidance and continued engagement can help more Canadians turn the intention to save into stronger outcomes for life today and retirement tomorrow."
The findings point to a clear opportunity: workplace programs can help Canadians address health needs now while building financial confidence for the future.
About Sunlife
Sunlife is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sunlife has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2026, Sunlife had total assets under management of $1.70 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.
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1 based on data from December 31, 2025 |
To contact Sunlife media relations, please email Media.Relations@sunlife.com.
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
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