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Publications of 2026

Safeguarding the skilled trades: burnout, job satisfaction, and the risk of turnover in Ontario electricians

Maryam Shahzad, Javier Mencia Ledo, Mahdi Azarmi, Ali Bani-Fatemi, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia

Skilled trades workers, including electricians, face unique occupational stressors and a persistent labour shortage that may contribute to burnout, job dissatisfaction, and heightened intention to leave (ITL). This cross-sectional study of 73 electricians aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout, job satisfaction, and ITL and to explore the relationships between these factors while accounting for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Burnout (measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory), was prevalent (31.8%) but not independently associated with ITL. Higher job satisfaction (measured using an adapted NIOSH Generic Job Stress Questionnaire) was linked to lower ITL (OR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.34, 0.96]). Apprentice status significantly increased the odds of ITL (OR = 6.59, 95% CI [1.48, 38.47]). Findings suggest that job satisfaction is a protective factor against turnover intention, while apprentices are at a greater risk of ITL - underscoring the need for targeted retention and mental health strategies in the skilled trades.

Worker health and well-being in Ontario’s electrical sector: a quantitative study of occupational health outcomes

Donia Obeidat, Hong Ki Chloe Lau, Javier Mencia-Ledo, Sana Siddiqui, Avasa Sarawan, Zhiyang Shi, Raihana Premji, Aaron Howe, Ali Bani-Fatemi, Ali Asgary, Basem Gohar, Vijay Kumar Chattu, Geoffrey Maina, Thankam Sunil, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia

Introduction: In Canada, Ontario’s shortage of electricians is linked to high physical demands and psychosocial stressors that may undermine worker well-being. Methods: Using a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) informed lens, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey of self-employed electricians in Ontario (n = 188), assessing musculoskeletal symptoms (12-month), sleep quality, psychological distress, burnout (personal, work-related), and job satisfaction. Results: Overall, 90.2% reported at least one musculoskeletal symptom in the past 12 months. Regression analyses revealed that sleep quality and years of experience significantly predicted psychological distress and burnout, with poorer sleep linked to higher personal and work-related burnout, greater psychological distress, and lower job satisfaction. More years of experience were associated with lower distress and burnout. Women reported higher psychological distress than men, highlighting inequality and discrimination in male-dominated trades. Apprentices experienced greater psychological distress [8.96 (SD = 8.29)] than non-apprentices [4.99 (SD = 6.59)], reflecting vulnerabilities associated with low wages, job insecurity, and a lack of support. Discussion: These findings highlight the complex interplay of physical, psychological, and socio-structural factors in shaping electricians’ health. Targeted interventions are crucial for promoting sustainable and inclusive environments in the electrical industry.

Predicting burnout, anxiety and depression among Canadian healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional secondary analysis study

Kishana Balakrishnar, Bao-Zhu Stephanie Long, Raihana Premji, Charlene Choi, Aishvinigaa Sathananthan, Mandaakini Choppella, Maryna Mazur, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia

This study aimed to identify the predictors of burnout, anxiety and depression among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary quantitative analysis of data from the Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC). Setting Healthcare professionals across Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants 1439 Canadian healthcare professionals. Data from MHRC, collected between April 2020 and January 2024, including sociodemographic factors and measures of burnout, anxiety and depression. In total, 1439 participants were included in the analysis. Women (OR: 2.25; 95% CI 1.46 to 3.48), younger workers (OR: 2.29; 95% CI 1.29 to 4.06) and mental health professionals (OR: 2.59; 95% CI 1.11 to 6.01) were more likely to experience burnout. Meanwhile, men (OR: 2.05; 95% CI 1.40 to 3.00), younger workers (OR: 8.58; 95% CI 4.12 to 17.86) and physicians (OR: 2.01; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.46) had an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety. Similar findings were obtained for depression, where men (OR: 1.74; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.56), young workers (OR: 5.22; 95% CI 2.68 to 10.18), physicians (OR: 2.11; 95% CI 1.22 to 3.64), visible minorities (OR: 2.29; 95% CI 1.55 to 3.38) and those with a physical impairment (OR: 4.79; 95% CI 2.55 to 8.97) were more likely to receive a diagnosis since the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the need for targeted clinical interventions among healthcare professionals during and beyond public health emergencies. Specifically, healthcare institutions should implement accessible mental health programmes, regular psychological assessments and workload management strategies for those who face increased vulnerabilities to mental health struggles.

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