With workplace stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels, International SOS is urging organisations to take proactive steps to support the mental health of their employees. As Blue Monday – widely regarded as the most challenging day for mental health – approaches, the health and security risk services company highlights the urgent need for businesses to address the ongoing challenges employees face in the workplace.
A recent survey revealed that approximately 40% of the workforce reported stress levels so severe that they significantly impacted their ability to work over the last year. International SOS has identified three key mental health issues most frequently reported by employees globally: anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and panic disorders. These conditions, which can cause severe emotional and physical distress, are having a growing impact on employee wellbeing across various sectors.
Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, Global Health Advisor for Wellness and Mental Health at International SOS, emphasised the importance of addressing mental health issues early, particularly during the challenging post-holiday period. “January is a particularly difficult time for many employees. The pressures of returning to work, combined with the winter weather in the northern hemisphere, can exacerbate mental health challenges. Blue Monday presents an opportunity for organisations to start the year by proactively addressing these issues,” he said.
The company’s research indicates that meaningful employment can be an important factor in an individual’s recovery from mental health conditions, helping to build confidence and improve social functioning. However, ongoing workplace stress can contribute to burnout, affecting not only an individual’s mental wellbeing but also their job satisfaction and performance.
International SOS warned that without appropriate support, these conditions could worsen, significantly impacting both the individual and the broader organisation. Around 15% of the global working-age population is currently living with mental health conditions, which can have both physical and emotional repercussions, including circulatory and gastrointestinal issues.
To combat this, International SOS is urging organisations to implement proactive strategies to protect and promote mental health in the workplace. The company has outlined five key actions to help companies address workplace stress and anxiety:
- Support: Create a supportive culture where employees feel safe discussing their mental health challenges without fear of judgement.
- Balance: Promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements and encouraging employees to take breaks and set boundaries between work and personal life.
- Assess: Regularly assess stress levels within the organisation through surveys, feedback sessions, and health screenings to identify potential stressors.
- Assist: Provide accessible Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which include stress management workshops, counselling services, and mental health hotlines.
- Train: Equip managers with mental health first-aid training to help them identify early signs of distress and offer initial support to employees in need.
In addition to these strategies, the International SOS Foundation will host a Workforce Wellbeing training course on 20-21 January. The course aims to equip leaders and individuals responsible for employee wellbeing with the necessary skills to design and implement effective mental health programmes within their organisations.
As the workforce continues to grapple with rising stress levels, International SOS is calling for a renewed focus on mental health support, emphasising that addressing these issues can not only improve employee wellbeing but also enhance organisational effectiveness.
