↓ SCROLL TO SEE MORE ↑

What are you looking for?

News

An estimated 1.2 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety

An estimated 1.2 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety

In a report, the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labor Organization (ILO) outlined new global guidelines on mental health at work, reinforced by practical strategies.

The two UN agencies called for concrete actions to address mental health concerns in the working population.

A separate report by the WHO and ILO found that COVID-19 triggered a 25% increase in general anxiety and depression worldwide, exposing how unprepared governments were for its impact on mental health.

It revealed a chronic global shortage of mental health resources. In 2020, governments worldwide spent an average of just 2% of health budgets on mental health, with lower-middle income countries investing less than 1%.

“It’s time to focus on the detrimental effect work can have on our mental health,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general.

“The well-being of the individual is reason enough to act, but poor mental health can also have a debilitating impact on a person’s performance and productivity,” Tedros said.