The TELUS Mental Health Index uses a response scoring system that translates individual answers into numerical values. Higher scores indicate better mental health and lower risk, while lower scores suggest higher levels of mental health distress. Scores ranging from 0 to 49 reflect distress, scores between 50 and 79 indicate strain and scores between 80 and 100 represent optimal mental health levels.

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The TELUS Health Mental Health Index data (Pan-Europe) was gathered through an online survey conducted from September 16 to September 30, 2024, with 500 respondents from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain. All participants are European residents and have been employed within the past six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the sample’s regional and gender composition accurately represents the broader population.

Here are the key takeaways from the TELUS Mental Health Index that will enable organizations and employers to take better care of their employees’ wellness.

#1 Poor physical health leads to productivity loss

Health conditions can significantly affect both Mental Health Index (MHI) scores and overall productivity. TELUS Mental Health Index reported a nearly 21% loss of annual productivity among workers dissatisfied with their mental health. To be exact, 77 days in a year! 11% of workers surveyed never engaged in a physical activity. Dissatisfied workers, who are mostly unhappy with their physical health have mental health scores that are 24 points lower than those who are satisfied with their health. Additionally, they experience a productivity loss of 26 more working days per year as compared to their healthier counterparts.

So, physical activity has a significant impact on worker’s productivity.

Poor physical or mental health often leads to lower MHI scores, indicating higher levels of distress or strain. As a result, employees experiencing health issues may face reduced productivity, leading to increased absenteeism, lower work quality, and a greater risk of burnout. Conversely, good health is associated with higher MHI scores, which correlates with better mental well-being and improved productivity in the workplace. Therefore, addressing health conditions and providing support can enhance employee mental health and overall performance.

Paula Allen, the Global Leader of Research & Client Insights at TELUS Health, emphasized the clear connection between physical activity, employer support, and employee well-being. According to TELUS Health’s findings, employees whose physical health and well-being are supported by their employer tend to have better mental health and higher productivity—outcomes that all business owners aim for. This highlights the importance for organizations to prioritize well-being as a key component of business success. By incorporating robust support systems, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and physical health initiatives, into workplace culture, companies can cultivate a more resilient, engaged, and productive workforce.

#2 Three major factors influencing physical activity

The Socio-ecological model suggests that health behavior is shaped by the interaction between individuals and their environment. For workers, the workplace is an influential environment.

The main reasons individuals engage in physical activity are:

• to improve their fitness,
• to maintain or lose weight, and
• to lower the risk of developing health conditions

Encouraging healthier physical activity and eating habits at work involves motivating individuals and changing the workplace environment and structure to help support these habits.26% of employees engage in physical activity outside of work to improve their fitness and stamina. This commitment to physical health does more than boost energy levels—it also positively impacts mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood. As a result, those who make physical activity a priority often find themselves more focused, productive, and less likely to take sick days, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and resilient workplace.

23% of workers attribute their willingness to perform physical activity to losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. The workplace offers a valuable opportunity for promoting health and well-being, reaching a broad segment of the working population, including groups that are typically harder to engage, such as young men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Prolonging lifespan/ becoming disease-free (16%) and stress reduction (15%) are other biggest motivating factors to indulge in physical activity outside of the workplace.

By leveraging the workplace environment, employers can effectively provide health initiatives to those who may otherwise have limited access to such resources.

#3 Inadequate employer support for physical health linked to lower mental well-being and productivity

 Workers who feel their employer provides poor support for their physical well-being report mental health scores that are 14 points lower than those who feel they receive excellent support. Additionally, these workers experience a loss of 18 more working days in productivity each year, highlighting the significant impact that inadequate workplace support for physical health can have on both mental well-being and overall productivity.

 TELUS Mental Health Index reported that 22% of employees rate their employer’s support for physical well-being as very good or excellent. This group reports mental health scores that are at least nine points higher than those who rate employer support as poor, and their scores are also at least four points above the national average.

 In comparison, 19% of employees rate their employer’s support for mental well-being as very good or excellent. Workers in this group have mental health scores that are at least 11 points higher than those with poor support, and their scores are at least five points higher than the national average.

These findings emphasize the positive impact of stronger employer support for both physical and mental well-being on employee mental health.

#4 Mental health by employment status, age, and gender 

The nature of work and managerial responsibilities impact mental health among employees. Managers have a higher mental health score compared to non-managers. In the same report, office workers have a higher mental health score than the services industry, solopreneurs/self-employed professionals, and laborers.

TELUS Mental Health Index also found scores have improved with age since April 2022. Since the launch of MHI in April 2022, the report found mental health scores continue to be lower for workers with at least one child versus childless workers.

Also, women have a lower mental score compared to men.

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In September 2024, mental health scores across various regions showed noticeable differences. Workers in the United States reported the highest mental health score at 70.6, indicating relatively stronger mental well-being compared to other nations.

In September 2024, the mental health scores of workers in various regions were:

• Singapore: 61.6
• Australia: 61.1
• New Zealand: 59.7
• United Kingdom: 64.6
• Europe: 61.6
• United States: 70.6
• Canada: 64.4

#5 34% of workers remain idle or inactive for more than six hours during the day

Inactivity impacts the mental health score. As per the TELUS Mental Health Index, 34% of workers spend their day sitting or staying inactive for more than six hours daily. Workers complaining of low energy levels lose 35 additional days in productivity compared to workers with high energy levels. Women are 80% more likely to complain of low energy levels than men, putting them at a higher risk of lower productivity.

More pointers: 

• More than one in six workers (17%) report having a negative experience with the healthcare system. Workers without emergency savings are more likely to have negative encounters compared to those who have emergency savings.
• Productivity losses grow as the level of employer support decreases. Employees who rate their employer’s support for mental well-being as excellent lose 438 working days per year in productivity. In contrast, those who rate employer support as poor experience a significantly higher productivity loss, totaling 637 working days per year.
• Non-managers are more than twice as likely as managers to report never engaging in activities or practices that support social well-being.

Conclusion

The TELUS Mental Health Index reveals significant insights into how factors such as physical health, employer support, age, gender, and job designation influence employee mental well-being and productivity. By prioritizing mental health and providing adequate support, employers can foster a healthier, more productive workforce. Addressing these factors—whether through promoting physical activity, offering better health benefits, or improving workplace culture—can lead to significant improvements in both employee well-being and overall organizational performance.

Source: TELUS Health (2024). TELUS Mental Health Index: Special report on Physical Health. Pan-Europe, September 2024.

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