UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted on Thursday that around one in eight people globally faces a mental health challenge, underscoring the urgent need for employers to address the risks associated with these health issues within their organizations.
“There is no health without mental health,” the Secretary-General emphasized in his statement commemorating World Mental Health Day on October 10. He noted, “Around the world, roughly one in every eight people are living with a mental disorder,” pointing out that “No community or society is spared.”
This year’s observance of World Mental Health Day focuses on raising awareness about mental health in the workplace. With sixty percent of individuals aged 15 and older employed, most of their time is spent at work.
“These spaces are far more than just where we carry out our jobs,” the Secretary-General stated. “Safe, healthy workplaces can provide a sense of purpose, connection, and stability, while oppressive or chaotic work environments can take a heavy toll on the mental health of those who work there.”
“Work is important for well-being, but well-being is also important for work,” António Guterres asserted, emphasizing that “When employers address risks to the mental health of their employees, they boost morale, lower absenteeism, and increase employee engagement and productivity.”
