TELUS Health unveils findings on worker burnout and AI optimism
TELUS Health has released its latest Mental Health Index, revealing new insights into workplace exhaustion, burnout causes, and attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) within different demographics.
According to the report, 42% of Canadian workers feel mentally and/or physically drained by the end of their workday. Many of these workers cited excessive workloads as the primary driver of burnout and identified AI as a potential remedy for this problem.
The index showed that 33% of workers believe AI will positively impact their industry. Additionally, 17% expressed interest in upgrading their AI skills. TELUS found that managers and younger employees to have a higher inclination towards enhancing their AI proficiency compared to non-managers and older workers. Similarly, parents were almost twice as likely as non-parents to consider upgrading their AI skills.
Dr. Matthew Chow, chief mental health officer at TELUS Health, said the introduction of AI tools can help employees struggling with motivation and burnout by streamlining repetitive and low-value tasks.
“This can create space for employees to engage in innovative and strategic endeavours that are more meaningful and productive,” he said.
"Organizations have the opportunity to engage employees in this evolution by ensuring that AI tools and training are readily accessible to employees, and enabling them to explore the technology firsthand so they can discover the ways it benefits them in their own work,” added Paula Allen, global leader, research & client insights.
In addition to AI, Chow also emphasized the role of “creating a supportive environment” in helping workers avoid burnout.
“By prioritizing employee wellbeing, offering adequate support and fostering a healthy culture, organizations empower their teams to avoid burnout and thrive in the workplace,” he said.
In the report, TELUS noted a significant gap in awareness about Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), with two-in-five Canadian workers unaware of what an EAP is.
It also found that the mental health scores for workers who are unaware of or report that their employer does not offer an EAP are at least three points lower than those who have access to such programs.
According to the index, April 2024 yielded the following the mental health scores for workers in different regions:
- Canada: 64
- United States: 71
- United Kingdom: 64.6
- Europe: 62
- Australia: 62.5
- New Zealand: 60.6
- Singapore: 62.9
Higher points indicate better mental health, with scores categorized into distress (0-49), strain (50-79), and optimal (80-100) levels.
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