As the world observes World Mental Health Day, International SOS, the leading health and security risk services company, emphasizes the growing significance of mental health resilience for global workforces.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of working-age adults lived with a mental disorder in 2019, leading to the loss of 12 billion working days annually due to depression and anxiety.
The International SOS Assistance Centre has witnessed a 5% increase in requests for mental health-related assistance in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS, highlighted the unique mental health challenges in the Indian subcontinent, where one in seven individuals is affected by mental health and wellbeing issues. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the psychosocial risk landscape and coordinated action.
In the face of the evolving post-pandemic world, employers must recognize the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, job insecurity, infectious diseases, climate anxiety, and geopolitical crises. Dr. Vora urged organizations to reassess employee health and well-being strategies, identifying and addressing gaps promptly.
He recommended holistic programs encompassing public awareness, destigmatization, identification, addressal, rehabilitation, and mainstream reintegration as vital components to make a positive impact on employees’ lives.”
