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June 12, 2026Open Access

Leaves of Absence and Presenteeism Among Canadian Teachers: Mental Health Challenges, Frequency, Impact, Facilitators, and Barriers

KFKristen FergusonNipissing University CTChristine TulkUniversity of Ottawa MCMelissa CorrenteUniversity of Ottawa

Key Points

This research aims to investigate the prevalence of leaves of absence and presenteeism among Canadian teachers attributable to mental health challenges.
Survey conducted with 733 Canadian teachers
Data collected on frequency of leaves and presenteeism
Analysis included facilitators and barriers to taking leave
Approximately 40% of teachers took a formal leave of absence due to mental health issues.
Supportive partners/family and financial coverage were key facilitators for taking leave.
The primary barrier cited was concern for the impact on students, along with unsupportive supervisors.

Abstract

Using survey data from 733 teachers, we explored leaves of absence and presenteeism due to mental health challenges among Canadian teachers. Almost 40% of teachers had taken a formal leave of absence due to mental health concerns, with no significant difference by gender or grade-level taught. Having a supportive partner/family was the most cited facilitator of taking a leave, followed by having financial coverage. The most cited barrier to taking a leave was the impact it would have on students, followed by an unsupportive supervisor. The majority of teachers in our study experienced sickness presenteeism due to mental health challenges.

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