A global survey by AXA and IPSOS reveals that workplace stress, anxiety, and burnout are worsening, with financial instability, job insecurity, and constant exposure to negative news among the key factors affecting mental well-being
A recent study conducted across 16 countries highlights the growing mental health crisis, particularly among workers. Respondents from Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States reported increasing struggles with stress, anxiety, and depression.
One in three individuals surveyed experiences at least one mental health condition, with depression and anxiety remaining the most common. The situation shows no improvement compared to previous years. Emerging concerns such as climate change and online threats are also contributing to heightened stress and a broader sense of fragility, according to Patrick Cohen, CEO of European Markets & Health at AXA.
Work-related stress remains a significant issue, with many employees struggling to balance their professional and personal lives. More than half of working respondents reported above-average stress levels in the past two weeks, while over a quarter had taken sick leave in the past year due to mental health issues.
The study indicates that mental health-related sick leave has increased, now accounting for 27% of all absences in 2024, up four percentage points from 2023. In France, mental health is now the leading cause of long-term sick leave. Common consequences of workplace stress include sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, decision-making challenges, and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension.
Globally, depression and anxiety are estimated to result in the loss of around 12 billion workdays per year.
Young adults most affected
The study found that mental health challenges are even more severe among young adults aged 18 to 24. Mental health-related sick leave in this group has risen to 42%, while 85% report experiencing anxiety, stress, or depression to some degree.
Cohen noted that young adults are disproportionately affected by excessive social media use and feelings of loneliness or isolation. Over half (52%) believe social media negatively impacts their mental health, compared to 36% of the general population. Additionally, 44% of young adults report having a diagnosed mental health condition, 12% higher than the overall average.
The need for workplace support
The study emphasizes the need for employers to step up mental health support. While 47% of employees said their companies have policies in place, 52% wish their employers would do more.
Nils Reich, CEO of AXA Global Health, stressed that companies play a crucial role in addressing workplace mental health. He noted that raising awareness and offering mental health resources can have a meaningful impact, benefiting both employees and businesses by reducing absenteeism and improving productivity.
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on...
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx...
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legisl...
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday welcomed the newly announced peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, urgin...
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a pre...
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx has far exceeded initial expectations, the Migration Ministry said on Monday.
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legislation that failed to complete its passage through Parliament earlier this year.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday welcomed the newly announced peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a lasting settlement.
Israel expects to secure new contracts for its air and missile defence systems from European countries within weeks, as governments across the continent continue to strengthen their militaries amid security concerns linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a preliminary pact that sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran's nuclear program to further negotiations.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
A U.S. doctor who contracted Ebola while on a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recovered and been discharged from a hospital in Germany, according to officials.
Protesters in Nanyuki blocked roads and burned tyres after residents challenged a U.S. plan to house Americans exposed to Ebola at a nearby military base.
Global health organisation CEPI will provide around $60 million to Moderna and two other partners to speed up the development of vaccines targeting the Ebola Bundibugyo strain, which is currently driving an outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be significantly larger than official figures suggest, following a visit to the country where he briefed President Felix Tshisekedi on the ongoing response.
Four nurses have recovered and been discharged after receiving treatment for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment