The survey also revealed that 33% of workers believe AI will have a positive impact on their industry.
TORONTO, June 12, 2024 /CNW/ – TELUS Health today released the TELUS Mental Health Index, which includes reports examining the mental health of employed people in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. The Canadian report found that 42% of workers feel mentally and/or physically exhausted at the end of the day, with work overload cited as the top cause of burnout. The Index also found that 33% of workers believe artificial intelligence (AI) will have a positive impact on their industry.
“There's no doubt that advances in AI will deliver significant benefits that are as significant as those in the industrial and internet eras,” said Paula Allen, global leader, research & client insights at TELUS Health. “Organizations have the opportunity to involve their employees in this evolution by giving them easy access to AI tools and training, and allowing them to experience the technology first-hand and discover how it can help them in their jobs. As with any change, the best way to implement it is to get people on board from the start, so they can grasp the possibilities and provide valuable insights.”
The TELUS Mental Health Index also found that:
17% of workers are considering upgrading their AI skills. Managers and younger workers are at least twice as likely to be considering upgrading skills related to using AI compared to non-managerials and workers over 50. Parents are almost twice as likely to be considering upgrading their AI skills compared to non-parents. Nearly half of workers believe AI will have a positive impact on healthcare. Workers under 40 are almost twice as likely to find it increasingly difficult to stay motivated at work compared to workers over 50.
A leader in technology, TELUS is at the forefront of integrating and extending AI and generative technologies across its business operations, team members and customer interactions. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, TELUS allows team members to adopt and experiment with in-house AI tools in a safe and secure environment without the fear of making mistakes. TELUS is committed to developing a skilled, AI-enabled workforce to harness the full potential of AI-powered innovation and growth.
“It's clear that a significant portion of the workforce is struggling with motivation and burnout,” said Dr. Matthew Chou, Chief Mental Health Officer at TELUS Health. “Personal issues, excessive workload, and lack of recognition are some of the causes of burnout. Thoughtful and responsible implementation of AI tools within an organization can help employers streamline repetitive and low-value tasks and address workload issues. This will also create space for employees to engage in innovative and strategic initiatives that are more meaningful and productive. Additionally, creating a supportive environment is paramount. By prioritizing employee wellbeing, providing the right support, and fostering a healthy culture, organizations can help their teams avoid burnout and thrive in the workplace.”
Many workplaces offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help employees who are experiencing burnout, but a TELUS Health survey found that two in five Canadian workers don't know what an EAP is, and workers who don't know or report that their employer doesn't offer an EAP have mental health scores that are at least three points lower than workers who do offer an EAP.
In April 2024, the mental health scores for workers in different regions were as follows:
Canada: 64.0 United States: 71.0 United Kingdom: 64.6 Europe: 62.0 Australia: 62.5 New Zealand: 60.6 Singapore: 62.9
The TELUS Mental Health Index is based on a response scoring system that converts individual responses into a point value. Higher point values ​​are considered to indicate better mental health and lower mental health risks. A score of 0 to 49 corresponds to a stressed level, a score of 50 to 79 to a stressed level, and a score of 80 to 100 to an optimal level of mental health.
The June TELUS Mental Health Index also includes insights into levels and causes of burnout, as well as workplace productivity and motivation. The full Canadian TELUS Mental Health Index can be found here.
About the TELUS Mental Health Index
Data for the TELUS Health Mental Health Index was collected through an online survey in English and French among 3,000 respondents from April 5, 2024 to April 15, 2024. All respondents were Canadian residents and had been employed within the past six months. Data was statistically weighted to ensure the geographic and gender composition of the sample reflects this population.
About TELUS Health
TELUS Health is on a mission to be the world's most trusted wellbeing company by improving the overall efficiency of healthcare and promoting wellbeing in the workplace. By integrating advanced healthcare technology with comprehensive employee support services, TELUS Health provides a holistic approach to primary and preventive health and wellbeing to 72 million people in 160 countries. Our innovative digital health platform, including electronic medical records (EMR) and virtual care solutions, enables healthcare professionals, individuals, employers and governments to deliver personalized care efficiently. Our employee wellbeing programs offer a wide range of support through our Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, financial counseling and workplace wellbeing initiatives. At TELUS Health, we are committed to reinventing healthcare so people have the support they need and our employees can thrive personally and professionally. Together, let's make the future a friendly one. For more information, visit www.telushealth.com.
Media Contact:
Mariel Hossack
TELUS Health
[email protected]
SOURCE TELUS Health
