In a recent release, TELUS Health’s TELUS Mental Health Index has revealed concerning insights into the mental health of employed individuals across multiple countries, including the United Kingdom.
According to the UK-specific findings, a staggering 44 percent of workers report feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted at the end of their workday, with an excessive workload identified as the primary driver of burnout.
The comprehensive report, which also encompasses data from the United States, Canada, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia, highlights that 31 percent of workers believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) will positively impact their industry.
“There is no question that AI’s advancement will bring significant benefits, potentially as pivotal as the industrial or internet age,” said Paula Allen, Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, TELUS Health. “Organisations have the opportunity to engage employees in this evolution by ensuring that AI tools and training are readily accessible to employees, enabling them to explore the technology firsthand so they can discover the ways it benefits them in their own work. As with any change, the best way to implement change is to engage people from the start, empowering them to grasp the possibilities and contribute valuable insights.”
Key Findings of the TELUS Mental Health Index:
- AI Skill Enhancement: Thirteen percent of workers are considering upgrading their AI skills, with managers and younger employees three times more likely to pursue AI skill development compared to non-managers and workers over 50.
- Parents vs Non-Parents: Parents are nearly three times as likely as non-parents to consider upgrading their AI skills.
- Healthcare Optimism: Half of the workers believe that AI will have a positive impact on healthcare.
- Age Disparities in Motivation: Workers under 40 are 70 percent more likely than those over 50 to find it increasingly difficult to be motivated at work.
TELUS Health emphasises the importance of integrating and scaling AI and generative technologies within business operations. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, TELUS enables its team members to adopt and experiment with AI tools confidently.
“We see a clear opportunity for employers to help extend the openness that younger employees are demonstrating towards leveraging AI compared to other colleagues who might be later adopters or initially hesitant to learn to use AI,” said Philip Mullen, Vice President EMEA, TELUS Health. “By proactively addressing what their teams need to embrace the AI evolution and feel equipped to do so, they can act as an enabler for employee empowerment and ensure that their teams are equipped and ready to thrive in a future where AI is an integral part of our working lives.”
Employee Assistance Programs and Mental Health:
Despite the availability of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), TELUS Health research reveals that 68 percent of workers are uncertain whether their employer offers an EAP. The mental health scores are notably lower among workers unaware of EAPs or those without access to one.
Mental Health Scores by Region (April 2024):
- United States: 71.0
- United Kingdom: 64.6
- Canada: 64.0
- Australia: 62.5
- Singapore: 62.9
- Europe: 62.0
- New Zealand: 60.6
The TELUS Mental Health Index utilises a scoring system to quantify mental health, with higher scores indicating better mental health and lower risk.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
