TELUS Mental Health Index: More than half of workers in Singapore lack trusted workplace relationships which increases feelings of isolation

TUESDAY 19th MARCH 2024, SINGAPORE - Today, TELUS Health released its TELUS Mental Health Index (“the Index”) with reports that examine the mental health of employed people in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Europe. The Singapore report highlights that more than half of workers (55 per cent) in Singapore lack trusted workplace relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Further, almost half (45 per cent) of workers do not perceive or are unsure that their workplace is committed to ensuring employees can speak up about concerns without fear of punishment or humiliation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a pressing global threat, with the effects of isolation and loneliness now being recognized and compared to well-known health risks such as smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity. In fact, the US surgeon general is saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“Loneliness is not just a personal struggle, but a global threat to our mental health and wellbeing,” said Haider Amir, Director, Asia at TELUS Health. “When workers experience isolation and loneliness, the effects ripple through the workplace. Without reliable connections and a supportive environment where individuals can authentically express themselves, challenges inevitably arise. It is imperative to proactively address the detrimental effects of isolation and loneliness on employee health and productivity, as doing so not only enhances wellbeing but also yields financial benefits for employers.”

The TELUS Mental Health Index also found:

• One in ten workers in Singapore do not feel valued and respected by their colleagues and are 60 per cent more likely to report that their mental health adversely affects their productivity at work.

• Workers under 40 are 80 per cent more likely than workers over 50 to lack trusted personal relationships.

• Nearly half of workers indicate that their employer does not support/are unsure about support for psychological health and safety.

• Forty-one per cent do not perceive, or are unsure, that harassment, bullying, unhealthy conflict, and other harmful behaviours are quickly and fairly resolved in their workplace.

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

• Singapore: 62.6

• Australia: 63.1

• New Zealand: 59.6

• United Kingdom: 64.7

• Europe: 62.0

• United States: 70.7

• Canada: 63.5

The TELUS Mental Health Index is based on a response scoring system that then turns individual responses into point values. Higher point values are associated with better mental health and less mental health risk. Scores between 0 to 49 correspond with distress levels, scores between 50 to 79 correspond with strain levels and scores between 80 to 100 correspond with optimal levels of mental health.

“The Index findings reflect a concerning reality, in particular for our younger workers,” said Paula Allen, Global Leader, Research & Client Insights, TELUS Health. “Rapid societal changes, alongside diminishing social support, are taking their toll. Additionally, there are challenges like inflation, housing affordability and job loss risks that are clear stressors, especially at the start of a person’s career when there is typically less financial stability. Organizations can help by focusing on building a culture of trust, which counters isolation, and highlighting their health, personal and financial programs, which offer crucial support.”

The January TELUS Mental Health Index includes additional findings related to industry and other demographics in addition to key psycho-social risks in the workplace. Read the full Singapore TELUS Mental Health Index here.

About the TELUS Mental Health Index
The data for the TELUS Health Mental Health Index was collected through an online survey from January 13, 2024 to January 22, 2024 with 3,000 respondents. All respondents reside in Singapore and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflects this population.

About 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 70 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.

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