In a time where mental health is increasingly being recognized as a key ingredient for thriving a workplace, the 2025 Mental Fitness Index (MFI) Report offers a timely and revealing look into the well-being of Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) and CPA candidates across Alberta and Saskatchewan. This third edition of the CPA Assist Health and Wellness Research Study provides a comprehensive snapshot of the profession’s mental, physical, and emotional health.
With over 670 participants, the report reveals encouraging improvements in overall well-being, but also highlights persistent challenges—especially among younger professionals and those in mid-sized firms.
- A sharp increase in the proportion of individuals experiencing daily major stressors since 2019.
- Physical health concerns, chronic conditions, and complex health needs are rising.
- Many CPAs juggle caregiving responsibilities and long working hours.
- Stigma is declining—but not gone, indicating a need for broader cultural change.
- Gen Z professionals report the lowest mental and physical health scores, highlighting a need for targeted support.
- Mid-sized accounting firms show the lowest overall MFI scores, suggesting structural or cultural challenges.
- Self-employed and retired CPAs report the highest well-being scores, likely due to greater autonomy and flexibility.
- Significant concern among those who plan to have children and the impact it may have on their career.
Participation & Methodology
The 2025 study engaged 674 participants from a randomized sample of over 7,000 CPAs and candidates. Using a robust mental health assessment tool, the study evaluated four key pillars of well-being: physical health, mental health, workplace well-being, and life satisfaction. Each participant received a personalized report, while aggregate data was analyzed to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for support.
Why Mental Fitness Matters
Mental fitness is more than just the absence of illness—it’s about resilience, energy, and the ability to thrive in both personal and professional spheres.
A thriving workplace experience requires responsibility at all levels. From the organizations who create the space, to the leaders who facilitate the space, individuals that contribute to the space. For CPAs, who often navigate high-pressure environments, long hours, and complex responsibilities, maintaining mental fitness is essential not only for individual well-being but also for organizational performance.
Unsupportive workplace cultures—marked by chronic stress, poor communication, lack of psychological safety, or unrealistic expectations—can significantly erode mental health. Over time, this can lead to burnout, disengagement, and a decline in both personal health and professional effectiveness.
Stress, poor coping mechanisms and unhealthy behaviours – such as lack of exercise, poor diet or substance use – have a negative impact on physical health.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 MFI Report paints a picture of a profession in transition—one that is becoming more open, more aware, and more committed to mental wellness. While challenges remain, particularly around stress, stigma, and chronic health conditions, the data also reveals a growing culture of support and resilience.
As the accounting profession continues to evolve, so too must the systems that support its people. The insights from this report offer recommendations for building healthier, more sustainable careers for CPAs across Canada.
“The numbers are clear: healthier professionals are more productive, more engaged, and more resilient. Investing in mental health is imperative for the future of the profession.” – Rachel Miller FCPA, FCA, Chief Executive Officer, CPA Alberta
“The findings of the 2025 Mental Fitness Index underscore the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being of our members. We remain committed to fostering an environment that supports mental resilience, promotes psychological safety, and enables our members to thrive both personally and professionally.” — Shelley Thiel FCPA, FCA, Chief Executive Officer, CPA Saskatchewan
CPA Assist is committed to supporting Alberta and Saskatchewan’s CPAs with programs and services, including:
- Creating educational and support materials to help CPAs manage boundaries and reduce burnout and presenteeism.
- Equipping leaders with tools to build psychologically safe workplaces and workplace culture.
- Normalizing mental health conversations across all levels and reducing stigma through education and peer engagement.
- Developing integrated support resources for mental health and chronic conditions.
- Equipping CPAs with practical, easy-to-access tools that support their whole-person health
The Stats at a Glance
Overall Mental Fitness Index (MFI) Score
The overall MFI score has increased from 64 to 71, indicating a positive shift in overall well-being. The MFI score considers key dimensions of an individual’s health and well-being across four domains: Physical Health, Mental Health, Workplace Well-Being and Life Well-Being. Notably: Workplace well-being scored highest at 77, while physical health remained the lowest at 65, despite improvements.
Pillar Scores:
- Physical: 65 (lowest among pillars)
- Mental: 67
- Workplace: 77
- Life: 74
The stats at a glance
Download the 2025 MFI Study InfographicAbout the Study
Ember Experience was engaged by CPA Alberta and CPA Saskatchewan to conduct the third edition of the CPA Assist Health and Wellness Research Study. The purpose of the study was to deepen understanding of the health and wellness challenges faced by Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs and CPA candidates, and to provide insights to help CPA Assist enhance its support services.
The tool provided participants with a personalized report summarizing their results and offering insights for personal health planning. The data collected was used to identify patterns, trends, strengths, and opportunities within the CPA population. The results of this research study will help CPA Assist continue to meet the evolving needs of CPAs, CPA candidates, and their families.
Individual and collective scores range from empty to charged. Ember uses a numerical scale of 0-100 and breaks these scores into five distinct charge groups, each reflecting a different level of energy and readiness. It’s important to remember that achieving a perfect score of 100 is virtually impossible.
