We live in anxious times. A multitude of factors, including greater awareness of mental health conditions, better diagnosis, and the uncertain and stressful era we live in, has catapulted mental health awareness to the forefront.
Mental health conditions are widespread. Four in ten employees in Europe reported struggling with a major or moderate mental health condition in the last 12 months, with 68% reporting some level of emotional ill-health, according to our 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey (GBAS), Western Europe (Figure 1).
Poor mental health has a wide range of negative impacts on people’s work. When people are mentally unwell, they are less productive, more likely to need time off work, and could require extended time out to recover from burnout.
At the same time, public healthcare systems across Europe are under strain, especially when it comes to support for mental health issues. Stretched budgets and long waiting times mean people’s needs are often going unmet.
Employers are keen to step into the gap and look after their people. After all, happy, healthy employees are more productive. However, employers are worried they aren’t doing enough. Responses to our 2024 Global Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey highlighted that less than four in ten organizations in Europe believe they are supporting people’s emotional wellbeing effectively.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health was a key focus, as people struggled with an abrupt cutoff in social interaction and spending time indoors. Organizations mobilized emotional and social wellbeing support and services to try and address issues linked to isolation and lack of connection.
More recently, ongoing geo-political uncertainty and rising inflation and cost of living globally have further impacted emotional wellbeing in the workplace, with over half of employees in Europe stating that financial issues have had a negative impact on their overall health and wellbeing. Data from our 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey highlights that employees with financial worries are more likely to miss medical appointments, be socially isolated and struggle with anxiety and depression.
The interconnection across the areas of wellbeing cannot be underestimated. Our research data highlights that employees who are struggling emotionally are also less likely to take proactive steps to address mental health issues, are more likely to make poor lifestyle choices and are more prone to struggling with addictions (Figure 2). With social disconnection and financial wellbeing issues also impacting emotional wellbeing, it’s clear that employees need more support with their mental health.
What next?
The upshot of these five steps? When employers get it right, it’s worth the effort, ensuring a happy and productive workforce. Our 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey highlights that organizations with effective wellbeing strategies and programs report human capital and financial outcomes that are two times higher than organizations with less effective approaches in place. If you do one thing today, start thinking about your mental health strategy. Based on the research we’ve discussed above, how much does your strategy need to evolve to meet people’s needs?
Technology can play a vital role in helping employees to access support with their mental health. A new generation of EAPs are offering people a wider and more comprehensive range of support, thanks to the convenience of apps and video technology.
At WTW, we can support your organization through the process of identifying your priorities and objectives and creating a strategy and measurement framework to evidence impact and success. We’re experts in designing, re-imagining, and implementing mental health programs and pathways, giving you fresh eyes and a rigorous and current perspective on the market.
Get in touch with us to find out how we can help your organization to reimagine our emotional wellbeing strategy to deliver results.
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