Anxiety, Depressive and Panic Disorders Top Workplace Mental Health Requests, According to International SOS

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Soaring rates of workplace stress and anxiety are evident, with approximately 40% of the workforce reporting stress levels that significantly impacted their ability to work in the last year.¹ As we approach ‘Blue Monday’, known as one of the most challenging days for mental health, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, calls on organisations to take proactive steps in addressing the mental health challenges of employees.

International SOS has identified the three most frequent mental health-related requests it has received from global workforces across various sectors over the past three years.² These include support and assistance for:

1. Anxiety disorder: intense and excessive fear and distress, often accompanied by physical tensions.
2. Depressive disorder: mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest. It can significantly impact an employee’s emotions, behaviour, and physical health.
3. Panic disorder: a condition when an employee has repeated, unexpected panic attacks and worries constantly about when the next one might happen.

For individuals living with mental health conditions, meaningful employment can significantly contribute to their recovery and social inclusion, fostering increased confidence and improved social functioning. Research findings indicate that employment can have a more profound positive impact on mental health outcomes than traditional psychiatric care alone.³ However, when an employee experiences ongoing workplace stress, it causes an elevated level of anxiety-causing hormones. This sustained pressure can leave employees feeling fatigued and exhausted and, ultimately, may contribute to burnout. Without robust support, mental health conditions can severely impact an individual’s self-confidence, job satisfaction, and ability to thrive in the workplace.

Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, Global Health Advisor, Wellness and Mental Health, at International SOS, comments, “January and the start of a new year can be a particularly challenging time for many. The post-holiday blues, the return-to-work routines, and the harsh winter weather in the northern hemisphere can really take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. Blue Monday presents a crucial opportunity for organisations to proactively address mental health challenges for the year ahead and cultivate a culture of wellbeing that extends far beyond this single day.

“For organisations, recognising the inextricable link between good mental health, employee wellbeing, and organisational effectiveness is paramount. Alarmingly, workplace stress and anxiety rates remain high, with around 15% of the global working-age population suffering from mental illness.⁴ The detrimental effects of stress are multifaceted and can include circulatory and gastrointestinal issues, as well as significant physical and emotional repercussions.⁵ Protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace is about strengthening capacities, increasing awareness, and offering early intervention opportunities for those in need.”

International SOS offers five points for organisations to implement proactive strategies to address stress and anxiety in the workforce:

1. SUPPORT
   Foster a supportive culture and work environment: create a workplace culture that values open communication and support. Encourage employees to speak up about their stress levels and provide a safe space for them to share their concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions.
2. BALANCE
   Promote work-life balance and implement flexible work arrangements: consider changing time-off policies to accommodate employees’ mental health needs. Encourage employees to take breaks and set boundaries between work and personal life.
3. ASSESS
   Conduct regular stress assessments: regularly assess the stress levels within the organisation through surveys, feedback sessions, and health screenings. Use the data collected to identify stressors and implement targeted interventions to address them.
4. ASSIST
   Offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): ensure easily accessible resources for mental health support, including workshops for stress management techniques, counselling services and mental health hotlines.
5. TRAIN
   Equip managers with mental health first-aid training: upskill managers to identify signs of distress and offer initial support to employees who may be struggling.

The International SOS Foundation will host a Workforce Wellbeing training course on 20-21 January. The course will provide individuals and leaders responsible for wellbeing within their respective organisations with the competencies necessary to plan, design and deliver best-in-class programmes.

Notes to Editor

About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for 40 years. Headquartered in London & Singapore, it is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500, a. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.

To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: https://www.internationalsos.com/

1. IPSOS | World Mental Health Day 2024 | Global Advisor Survey
2. International SOS Assistance Tracker (2022 – 2024)
3. World Economic Forum | How business can lead a global response to the mental health crisis (2024)
4. World Health Organization | Mental Health at Work (2024)
5. International Labour Organization | Stress Prevention at Work Checkpoints. Practical improvements for stress prevention in the workplace