92% Indian professionals prefer robots for mental-health support

Of the over 1,000 professionals surveyed by Oracle and Workplace Intelligence, 92 per cent feel that they would prefer robots helping them in case of mental health issues, than human beings. The study, by the HR research and advisory firm, revealed that stress related to work has led to a rise in cases of anxiety and burnout among professionals in India.

Globally, about 80 per cent of the workforce is open to receiving therapy from a robot instead of a human being. About 34 per cent feel that robots will not judge them, while about 30 per cent believe that robots will serve as an unbiased outlet for sharing or venting their problems. Twenty-nine per cent of those surveyed felt that robots give quick answers to mental health-related questions.

Interestingly, about 68 per cent of people feel they would be more comfortable approaching a robot to discuss workplace stress and anxiety rather than their own managers! About 91 per cent Indian professionals would rather seek help from a robot than their own manager when it comes to work-related stress or anxiety. 75 percent of global workforce and 95 per cent of Indian professionals admit that artificial intelligence (AI) has been helpful in ensuring their mental health at work!

The reason why they feel robots are more effective are:

• About 30 per cent professionals feel that AI has provided them the relevant information required to perform their task effectively.

• About 27 per cent feel that AI has helped them avoid burnout

• Twenty-seven per cent feel that it has helped decrease stress by helping them prioritise their work

• A good 51 per cent admit that AI has helped reduce their workweek and given them a chance for longer vacations.

• A significant 63 per cent feel that AI improves productivity, while 54 per cent feel it increases job satisfaction

• It improves the overall well-being of the employees say 52 per cent

Not surprisingly, 70 per cent of people globally have faced more stress and anxiety at work this year than ever before. A significant 84 per cent of Indian workforce experienced higher stress and anxiety in 2020.

Clearly, it is time for employers to take note of the fact that their workforces are undergoing a lot of stress and their mental health should be their top priority. After all, 85 per cent of those surveyed have said that work-related anxiety and depression have affected their domestic life.