How many workers are feeling burned out

A new report has found high levels of burnout among Canadian workers. The latest Telus Mental Health Index reported that 42 per cent of Canadians feel mentally and physically exhausted.

The index examined the mental health of employed people in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. The Canadian report revealed that too much work cited as the top cause of burnout. The index also found that 33 per cent of workers believe that artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on 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 of research and client insights at Telus Health. “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. 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.”

The index also found that 17 per cent of workers are considering upgrading their AI skills. Managers and younger workers are at least twice as likely as non-managers and workers over 50 to be considering upgrading their skills related to the use of AI. Parents are nearly twice as likely as non-parents to consider upgrading their AI skills.

Almost half of workers believe that AI will have a positive impact on healthcare. However, workers under 40 are nearly twice as likely as workers over 50 to find it increasingly difficult to be motivated to do their work.

“It’s clear that a significant portion of employees are grappling with motivation and burnout,” said Dr. Matthew Chow, chief mental health officer at Telus Health. “Personal issues, excessive workloads, and a lack of recognition are among the contributors to burnout. Introducing AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly within organizations can assist employers in streamlining repetitive and low-value tasks to assist with the workload issue. This also can create space for employees to engage in innovative and strategic endeavors that are more meaningful and productive.

“Additionally, creating a supportive environment is paramount. By prioritizing employee wellbeing, offering adequate support and fostering a healthy culture, organizations empower their teams to avoid burnout and thrive in the workplace.”

While many workplaces offer employee assistance programs (EAP) that could help support employees in situations of burnout, Telus Health research reveals that two-in-five workers in Canada do not know what an EAP is. The mental health scores of workers who don’t know or report that their employer doesn’t offer an EAP is at least three points lower than workers with an EAP.