Productivity Under Pressure: The Cost Of Untreated Workplace Mental Health

A successful business depends on a productive and engaged workforce. But mental health challenges are threatening workplace productivity affecting interpersonal relationships, driving high turnover and creating unnecessary workplace tension that reduces collaboration. Without proper intervention, businesses face not only financial losses but also a disengaged workforce, with unaddressed mental issues costing the local economy an estimated R161bn per year.

The world of work has put incredible pressure on employees to do more in less time. The added stress of personal and financial challenges has made it difficult for employees to maintain their mental wellbeing.

A survey by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group SADAG found that 75 of employees struggle to switch off from work, even outside office hours. One in four employees is likely to be diagnosed with depression during their career, but only a minority seek help, with many employees continuing to suffer in silence afraid of the stigma or simply lacking access to the right support.

Mental health challenges are taking their toll in the workplace, and the numbers speak for themselves, says Tyran Naidoo, head of Discovery Healthy Company, a digitally enabled, comprehensive employee assistance programme EAP and wellness solution . Globally, 15 of the working population experiences mental illness. This crisis is even more pronounced among younger employees, with data showing that one in seven young adults now register a mental health condition compared to just one in 20 a decade ago.

While many companies claim to prioritise mental wellness, their initiatives often amount to tick-box exercises like wellness days, an open-door policy and office features like sleeping pods or game rooms to promote work-life balance.