Federal managers are weary of the pandemic and need “time to recover and refresh,” says the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada. The commentary follows an in-house survey indicating managers felt unappreciated..“26% show high levels of exhaustion,” said an Executive Work And Health Study. “39% report high levels of cynicism.”.“One may describe executives as having weathered the storm of the pandemic,” the Association wrote in a Synopsis of its survey. “It is also evident some have come through better than others. Overall executives are bruised, weary, looking for relief and needing time to recover and refresh.”.The typical federal executive works a 51-hour week for $134,000 annually, by official estimate. Synopsis said few senior managers, 18%, work more than 55 hours a week. “They are coping,” wrote staff..“Executives indicate they are not being recognized for the level of effort and contribution they are putting forward,” said the Association. “It should be underscored reward is not limited to compensation.”.“Rather it is the frequent internal and external acknowledgement of their contributions,” said Synopsis. “Feedback from peers and superiors is powerful.”.A total of 15% of managers surveyed said they had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. A total 48% described most work days as “stressful.” Findings were based on Statistics Canada questionnaires with 8,200 federal executives..“Increasing pride for having delivered services to Canadians has come at a significant cost to executives’ physical health and mental well-being,” said the report. “They are fatigued and struggling to recover, mindful of the new challenges facing the federal government such as emerging fiscal pressures, climate shifts and reconciliation.”.Most executives surveyed, 53%, said they thought of quitting. “Key health outcomes such as burnout continue to worsen,” said Synopsis..“Executives reported very high levels of pride in their work, 88%, and a firm dedication to serving Canadians, but the long hours and impacts of virtual work have increased the extent of diminished energy and burnout across the breadth of the executive community,” wrote staff..Data from identical surveys in previous years found 16% of executives used sleeping pills while 13% were categorized as problem drinkers, consuming more than 15 drinks a week. Others reported they “feel tired when they get up in the morning to face another day” (34%), “just want to do my job and not be bothered” (23%) and “doubt the significance of my work” (18%).
