A new survey from TELUS Health reveals concerning insights into the state of mental health among European workers. Conducted across six countries—France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands—the study shows that nearly two in five workers are at risk of developing mental health conditions.
Country-Specific Insights
The survey analyzed 500 participants per country, rating their mental health on a scale where scores below 80 indicated high risk. Spain had the highest percentage of at-risk workers, with 48% falling into this category, followed by Poland (45%) and Italy (43%). At the opposite end, the Netherlands reported the lowest proportion of high-risk workers, at just 24%.
Key Factors Impacting Mental Health
The study highlights several factors influencing mental well-being, including:
Gender Disparities: Women reported mental health scores five points lower than men on average. These differences reflect not only economic and social inequalities but also disparities in healthcare experiences, with women often facing misdiagnoses or underdiagnosed conditions such as endometriosis and menopause-related issues.
Age and Socio-Economic Status: Younger workers and those in lower-income brackets or without emergency savings reported higher levels of anxiety and depression. Workers without savings had a mental health score of 42, far below the average of 62.
Geopolitical and Cultural Influences: The ongoing war in Ukraine has added stress for workers in countries like Poland, highlighting how proximity to crises can exacerbate mental health issues.
Lifestyle and Mental Health
Physical activity emerged as a major determinant of mental health. Workers who exercised regularly scored significantly higher in mental well-being. Conversely, over 10% of surveyed workers reported no physical activity, leading to a loss of nearly three additional workdays annually.
Extended sedentary time—over six hours per day—was also linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
The Role of Financial Stability
One of the most significant predictors of mental health risk was financial security. Workers without emergency savings were three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression, underscoring the importance of a financial safety net.
Recommendations for Employers
Employers have a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. Paula Allen, global leader at TELUS Health, emphasized the importance of creating work environments that support both physical and mental well-being.
Key recommendations include:
Health Initiatives: Implement training programs, resilience coaching, and health guidance.
Cultural Integration: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health.
Safety and Flexibility: Align workplaces with occupational health and safety guidelines to mitigate risks.
"Employers who integrate these frameworks into their organizations not only see improved employee well-being but also gain sustainable business benefits," said Allen.
Source: Euronews
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