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.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities inflicted “monumental damage,” citing satellite images as evidence.
North Korea strongly condemned the U.S. strike on Iran, calling it a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency Board of Governors meeting today after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that U.S. strikes hit entrances to tunnels storing part of Iran’s enriched uranium at the Isfahan nuclear site.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities inflicted “monumental damage,” citing satellite images as evidence.
North Korea strongly condemned the U.S. strike on Iran, calling it a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency Board of Governors meeting today after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
The world is facing a health financing emergency as global health investment risks falling to its lowest level in a decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
China has successfully mastered the technology to produce Yttrium-90, a critical medical isotope used in radiation therapy for liver cancer, within a commercial nuclear reactor.
German biotech firm BioNTech (22UAy.DE), has agreed to acquire domestic peer CureVac, for about $1.25 billion worth of BioNTech shares, it said on Thursday, to boost its work on new mRNA-based cancer treatments.
Revolutionizing Heart Care: How Artificial Intelligence Powered Digital Twins Are Shaping the Future of Medicine
Researchers at the University of Miami have discovered 230 new giant viruses in global ocean waters, shedding light on their hidden role in marine ecosystems and their potential impact on public health.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities inflicted “monumental damage,” citing satellite images as evidence.
North Korea strongly condemned the U.S. strike on Iran, calling it a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency Board of Governors meeting today after U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports the U.S. strike on Iran and calls for de-escalation and diplomacy.
China has condemned the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning it has undermined Washington’s credibility and risks triggering a broader regional crisis.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment