For Alice, a 40-year-old marketing executive, it was a sudden and intense migraine that left her bed-bound for days. For Louis, a 32-year-old recruiter, it came in waves of intense anxiety and nausea. “I didn’t realise it was stress until the doctor asked me what was going on at work.”
Stress-related sickness is becoming more common across the professional world, with poor mental health one of the leading causes of absenteeism worldwide. In an international survey of 17,000 people, AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report reveals that 27% of employees have taken sick leave in the past 12 months because of mental health problems. However, the study also shows that businesses can turn the tide.
Since covid-19 and the sudden change to our working lives, businesses have recognised the negative impact poor mind health has on their staff. There is a growing recognition that work can have a major influence, either good or bad. “Employers have a key role to play,” says Patrick Cohen, CEO of AXA European Markets and Health. “They can make a difference by offering solutions and investing in their employees’ mind health.”
The workplace is a source of stress, and is the primary cause of bad mental health among the working population. Eight out of ten people surveyed report that work-related stress impacts their daily life. Sleep problems, headaches and mood swings can make them less motivated and productive. Once an employee reaches burnout, the stress can cascade through the business as colleagues attempt to fill the gap. “Workplace stress isn't just an individual challenge, but a collective phenomenon that affects organisational health and productivity,” explains Lode Godderis, professor at the Centre for Environment and Health at the University of Leuven.
Lode Godderis, professor for the Centre for Environment and Health, University of Leuven
Addressing these concerns can have a huge impact. Companies that implement effective mind health strategies can see productivity increases of up to 20%, according to research by the World Health Organisation. As AXA’s study shows, providing support at work can help to build a healthier and more productive workforce: employees working in businesses with a mind health policy in place are more likely to flourish and half as likely to struggle.
“It’s in companies’ own interest,” explains Mr Cohen. “Work environments that promote mind health and support their people with prevention and remediation solutions are far more likely to reduce absenteeism, create team engagement and retain their talents.” Moreover, there is a demand from employees: 52% of respondents expect their workplace to have mind health support in place, but less than half of all businesses provide any at all.
Patrick Cohen, CEO, AXA European markets and Health
So how can companies start to make a difference? According to Mr Cohen, a good corporate mind health strategy entails three key steps: fostering open communication, raising awareness and enabling actionable steps toward mental well-being.
First, companies must promote a culture in which mental health is openly discussed to break the stigma and demystify mental health as a topic. Encouraging dialogue is absolutely crucial.
Having helped employees to become more aware of their mind health, the second step is for companies to enhance understanding. This is why AXA, in partnership with health experts and scientists, has developed the Mind Health Self-Check, a free and anonymous online tool that gives people a personalised score to enable them to understand their mental well-being in more detail. “Our philosophy is to develop tools for our own employees first, and when we see the value, to offer them to our corporate customers,” explains Mr Cohen. “This means they can offer the same level of support to their employees, fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce.”
Assess your mental health in a few minutes: answer a few questions, receive a personalised report, and discover practical tips to nurture your mental well-being
The third step is for companies to translate awareness into action with tools such as AXA’s Mind Health Odyssey (an online training course to increase mental health literacy in the workplace) or employee assistance programmes. Providing training and access to care will equip individuals to prioritise their own mental well-being.
Together, these steps can help to create a workplace where employees feel supported in their mind health. This not only benefits individuals, but also strengthens the organisation as a whole.
“People look at their employer to be part of the solution,” says Mr Cohen, “and helping [employees] get through challenging times with paid leave, extended coverage for mental health therapies and access to external consultation services demonstrates a commitment to the holistic well-being of the workforce.”