The nonprofit workforce is vast, diverse, and includes professionals from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities, which means the mental health experiences of individuals and groups within organizations will be different. Our research has shown that women experience higher rates of mental health challenges, and racialized women are reporting they are less likely to indicate they are satisfied with care compared to racialized men. Employers and employees alike need to understand what this means and how it matters in understanding and responding to the mental health challenges and needs of our team members. In doing so, we must continue to strengthen the culture across our sector to foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and strive for equity in responding to all mental health needs.
In my last article, I shared important data insights on the mental health of nonprofit professionals. We found that self-rated anxiety and depression are high across the board for Canadians, and nonprofit professionals are tracking similarly to our private and public sector counterparts. Our ability to manage well in demanding environments is often due to the mental fortitude, resilience, and protective factors fostered in our mission-driven workplaces. Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC)’s current data shows that there remains a gender gap in mental health – nonprofits should view this as an opportunity to think innovatively in how we respond to this issue by aligning workplace strategies to the diverse needs of your workforce.
The gender gap in mental health outcomes
In 2023, Greenshield partnered with MHRC to answer this exact question: how does being a woman alongside other intersections, such as race impact mental health outcomes?
The results were eye-opening. We surveyed 6,708 women and 5,676 men who answered questions about their mental health, and the trends were clear.
We learned that women report higher levels of anxiety and depression. Even as anxiety and depression remain higher than pre-pandemic levels for all Canadians, 16% of women consistently report more severe symptoms of anxiety (vs. men 12%) and 17% report symptoms of depression (vs. men 10%).
Mental health in the nonprofit sector
Even with a strong sense of purpose and high levels of resiliency, MHRC data reveals that there is a variance in mental health indicators between men and women in our sector. Preliminary trends indicate that women working in the nonprofit sector are more likely to report higher levels of self-rated anxiety (50% vs. 37%) and depression (37% vs. 32%) compared to men.
We also know that nonprofit professionals are accessing mental health services at a higher rate (21%) compared to those working in the private sector (14%). This data tells us two important things about our workforce:
- There is a demand for mental health supports for nonprofit professionals, and we are using those supports.
- There is a higher need for mental health services for those working in the nonprofit sector.
It is important to note that it is also possible that employees working in this sector may feel more comfortable accessing services and/or reporting that they are accessing services due to the nature of the sector.
What can nonprofit organizations do?
This is an opportunity for the sector to lead with compassion, data, and action. Here are a few things you can do right now:
- Revisit your employee benefit programs, including Employment Assistance Program offerings, to understand if they are genuinely serving the needs of your diverse nonprofit workforce.
- Analyze and understand the usage data of your employee benefits and engage your organization in customizing and tailoring services, especially for racialized or marginalized employees.
- Consider benefit providers that are offering value-added services your staff are looking for, including services that support mental health both inside and outside of work hours, because mental health needs don’t stop when the workday is done.
An example of data-driven impact
Our partnership with Greenshield has shown the impact of a purpose-driven health and benefits company responding to the mental health needs of various communities. Guided by their social mission of Better Health for All, GreenShield is tackling Canada’s most pressing health challenges through data-driven initiatives. They leverage data to make decisions, creating products and services that meet the unique needs of all Canadians. Their Women’s Mental Health program, for example, offers culturally appropriate and affordable care for all women regardless of socioeconomic status. This type of social impact is needed to address gender gaps in mental health and sustain the wellbeing of our nonprofit workforce.
Learn more about how Greenshield is partnering with community organizations to support women in putting their mental health first: Women’s Mental Health | GreenShield Cares
Sheldon Mellis
Director, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement
Mental Health Research Canada
The views expressed in this article are the author’s alone and do not necessarily represent those of CharityVillage.com or any other individual or entity with whom the authors or website may be affiliated. CharityVillage.com is not liable for any content that may be considered offensive, inappropriate, defamatory, or inaccurate or in breach of third-party rights of privacy, copyright, or trademark.