Letters | Here’s how we solve the mental health crisis at work

With depression or anxiety estimated to affect up to 20 per cent of the population in advanced societies, regardless of socioeconomic status or occupation, addressing mental health in the workplace has become increasingly critical. Mental health issues can significantly affect workplace productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism.

Absenteeism occurs when employees take leave because of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or stress. This not only reduces the workforce available for daily tasks but can also disrupt team dynamics and project timelines. For instance, studies indicate that 12 billion working days are lost each year globally because of depression and anxiety, costing the world economy around US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity.

Conversely, presenteeism refers to employees who come to work despite their mental health challenges but are less productive because of their symptoms. They might be physically present yet mentally distracted, leading to errors and reduced quality of work.

Research shows that 40 per cent of business leaders report decreased revenue stemming from mental health issues among employees. Both absenteeism and presenteeism underscore the need for effective mental health support in the workplace as they directly impact individual employees’ well-being and overall organisational performance.

Creating a workplace culture that prioritises mental health can normalise discussions around it, reducing stigma and encouraging employees to seek help. By investing in mental wellness initiatives, companies can enhance employee loyalty. Research indicates that 42 per cent of employees with access to mental health benefits are less likely to leave their jobs compared to 27 per cent without such access.