AI-DRIVEN INTERVENTIONS FOR WORKPLACE WELLNESS AMONG FEMALE FAST-FOOD EMPLOYEES IN CANADA

Abstract While convenience and affordability appear to be key components of the fast-food industry in Canada, the industry hides harsh working conditions, especially for women. This study seeks to assess how effective AI-based workplace wellness interventions reduce stress and increase job satisfaction and work-life balance among female fast-food workers in Canada. This mixed-methods design study comprises 300 female fast workers employed in six Canadian cities to assess the impact of a 12-week AI-based wellness program on stress, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and digital health literacy among participants. Quantitative data were analysed using t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and mediation on SPSS and AMOS, and qualitative insights gained from 25 post-intervention interviews were thematically analyzed using NVivo to place the psychological and experiential dimensions of AI tool engagement in context. AI-based wellness interventions have been introduced to the participants, where they gain noticeable changes according to the measured results. The study respondents show a significant reduction in perceived stress and improvement in job satisfaction, work-life balance, digital health literacy, and AI-trust after the AI-based intervention with great effect sizes and strong predictive relationships (R² = 0.51). Mediators and moderators’ analyses confirmed that trust in AI partially mediates the relationship between work-life balance and stress, while digital health literacy reinforced the positive relation between work-life balance and job satisfaction. Interviews were thematically analysed, leading to five interconnected themes: psychological well-being, technology usability, managerial support, improved work-life balance, and privacy concerns. These themes highlight the very nuanced experiences of women using AI tools in precarious labour contexts.