Global Mental Health Insights to Maximize HR Benefits Strategies

The relationship between health and economic productivity is one that has been extensively researched, and the evidence is clear – better health leads to higher levels of productivity and in turn, higher levels of economic growth. What may be less obvious is the correlation between mental well-being and economic development.

According to the World Health Organization, one in every eight people has a mental health condition. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common concerns, with 301 million people living with an anxiety condition and
 280 million living with depression. As economic downturns and social polarization continue to unfold, the threat
 of rising mental health conditions is alarming.

The economic consequences of mental health conditions are equally enormous. Anxiety and depression contribute to a loss of productivity, costing the global economy an estimated US $1 trillion yearly. By 2030, this will exceed $6 trillion, an amount greater than that associated with any other non-communicable disease.

Mental health is a complex issue that requires multisectoral services and interventions. To minimize business losses due to mental health conditions, organizations will need to apply a multifaceted approach to support and protect the mental well-being of their workforce.