RBC employee suffering burnout, anxiety and depression loses disability claim

Just a few years ago, the Royal Bank financial planner won performance awards for bringing so much business into his branch in Quebec. 

But earlier this year, he says, the pressure of hitting sales targets — compounded by the death of a family member and a break-in at home — became too much. 

He says he couldn't eat, couldn't sleep for more than a few hours a night and felt constantly stressed, anxious and exhausted. Even getting out of bed was a chore. 

All of it affected his work.

"It was harder and harder every day," he told Go Public. "It was difficult to focus and I would forget things for clients, or appointments."

CBC News is not revealing his identity, as he fears professional repercussions.

His doctor diagnosed severe burnout and prescribed time off work and psychotherapy. 

But when he applied for short-term disability to take that break, Manulife — which provides insurance benefits for RBC — rejected the claim.

The employee has been off work without pay for four months. RBC told him he had to get back to work last week or he'd be fired. 

"I can't believe that, in 2023, with the big talk that companies give about caring [about mental health], they just send me a letter saying, 'Go back to work,'" he said.

After Go Public contacted RBC, the bank sent its employee another letter saying it is reviewing new information, so his termination is on hold.

More than one in five Canadians said they "frequently" experience workplace burnout in a recent online survey by the non-profit Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). 

Another 34 per cent of respondants reported "sometimes" experiencing burnout. The online survey of more than 5,500 people was conducted in March and April this year.

"We have not prioritized mental health sufficiently in the workplace," said Michael Cooper, a statistician and vice-president of development at MHRC.