NOVEMBER 29, 2023

TELUS Mental Health Index reveals workers lose 55 working days per year due to workplace conflict

Twenty-six per cent of workers in Canada prioritize wellbeing support over salary increase

TORONTO – TELUS Health today released its monthly TELUS Mental Health Index, revealing that workers who experience conflict at work lose an average of 55 work days per year. The Index also found that among workers in Canada, 26 per cent say better support for their wellbeing is more important than an increase in salary.

“The negative impacts of stress, whether stemming from external factors or internal dynamics within the workplace, have a ripple effect throughout an organization, impacting every level,” said Juggy Sihota, Chief Growth Officer, TELUS Health. “The wellbeing of workers and the success of the business are inherently connected. By prioritizing investments in tools, processes and comprehensive benefits plans that foster a psychologically safe and supportive work environment, employers can cultivate a highly engaged and productive workforce that drives business outcomes."

Mental health and work-related stressors linked to productivity loss at work

Twenty-eight per cent of workers in Canada have a mental health score of 50 or lower. The productivity loss of this group is at least double the number of days compared to the 13 per cent of workers with a mental health score of 90 or higher.
Among workers reporting diagnosed depression and anxiety, there is a loss of 55 and 53 working days per year in productivity, respectively.

Workers in Canada seek support for wellbeing through health benefits plans

When asked about their most valued elements of health benefits, a majority of workers in Canada prioritize dental benefits (51 per cent), followed by prescription medication (47 per cent), and vision care (32 per cent).
Workers under 40 are more than twice as likely as workers over 50 to value psychological services the most.
The highest mental health score (70.4) is among the 39 per cent of workers who find fulfillment in a balanced personal/work life. The mental health score of this group is nearly seven points higher than the national average.

"As mental health scores continue to be at a sub-optimal level, workers are increasingly aware that financial and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and that overall wellbeing involves far more than just a salary," said Paula Allen, Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, TELUS Health. "In today’s uncertain economic environment, it is very telling that workers are placing equal, if not greater, importance on wellbeing support compared to their salary. This highlights a significant opportunity for employers to meet employees’ needs by providing resources and real-time support that go beyond financial considerations in order to maintain morale and ultimately retain top talent."

For the third consecutive month, the mental health score of workers in Canada has decreased, with the October 2023 score standing at 63.7, compared to the September score of 64.4.

The October TELUS Mental Health Index also includes important findings related to diagnosed and undiagnosed health conditions, work-life balance and expectations of COVID-19 policies in the workplace. Read the full Canadian TELUS Mental Health Index report findings

here

TELUS Health

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader providing comprehensive primary and preventive care services and solutions to improve physical, mental and financial wellbeing for employees and families worldwide. With our advanced technology and dedicated team members, including more than 100,000 compassionate health professionals, we are covering more than 69 million lives in 160 countries. We are on a mission to become the most trusted wellbeing company in the world by building the healthiest communities and workplaces on the planet through simplifying access to care and improving the flow of information between care providers, insurers, employers and individuals. For more information please visit:

www.telushealth.com

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and over 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering more than 69 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.6 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Marielle Hossack

[email protected]