TherAIpist | Could AI therapy be the solution to workplace burnout and stress?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to augment our workforces in a myriad of complex ways. An emerging possibility in the use of this incredible technology is the role it could play in aiding the growing mental health crisis.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that a significant chunk of workplace sickness absence – which is at record high numbers – is caused by mental health and stress concerns, suggesting that considering mental health should be a key priority for employers, from the perspective of having a duty of care, and it having an impact on overarching business objectives.

Since the pandemic, mental health concerns have spiked tremendously. But mental health issues have been in public discourse for many years now, as taboos around these health concerns have become less stigmatized. With the aftermath of the pandemic, and employees battling through a cost-of-living crisis and recession, wellbeing is certainly going to be at the top of the list on any HR agenda.

Perhaps unexpectedly, AI might be the secret to addressing our mental health issue, despite onlookers associating the technology with ‘hard skills’ and not people-focused jobs – how is this possible?