Financial health of working Canadians improved: survey
Posted September 10, 2025 7:00 pm.
How do you feel about your financial situation?
The results of a new survey might surprise you, as it suggests a slight upward trend in how Canadian workers feel about their financial situation.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!According to the National Payroll Institute’s annual survey, the number of financially stressed workers has decreased compared to the previous year.
“The proportion of financially stressed workers has actually decreased from 41 per cent in 2024 to 36 per cent in 2025,” a press release read.
Steven Van Alstine, spokesperson at the National Payroll Institute, says that financial uncertainty has spurred people to try to save more, which translates to a higher confidence in their financial situation.
“The attitudes are shifting. There’s a little more positivity around the financial wellness that people feel or the capacity that people feel that they have to manage their finances,” he said in an interview with 1130 NewsRadio.
The survey also reports that the share of Canadians who feel financially comfortable has increased from 28 to 30 per cent.
“Savings equate to a better comfort level with where they are financially,” he explained.
“It doesn’t mean that people are able to save a lot more, but just the fact that they’re taking that step gives them a little bit more or takes a little bit of that stress away from what they were feeling.”
Even though the overall financial situation has improved, more Canadian workers say they spend time thinking about their finances at work.
While 45 per cent said they spent at least 15 minutes in 2024, that number has risen to 51 per cent for 2025.
According to the survey, this has direct implications on productivity levels in Canada; the National Payroll Institute estimates the loss to $69.5 billion annually.
Another notable finding is that members of Gen Z are saving 11 per cent of each paycheque, the highest number among all working generations in Canada.
With files from Mike Lloyd
