AXA has released its fifth annual report on mental health, examining the ongoing challenges related to mental well-being across global populations.
The latest Mind Health study focuses on identifying trends and concerns, particularly among younger adults, and highlights the role of preventive tools and employer involvement in addressing mental health issues.
The report indicates that 32% of the global population is currently living with a mental health condition – a figure that has remained unchanged over the past three years. Among young adults, the prevalence is higher, with 44% reporting mental health disorders.
Key sources of anxiety cited by respondents include financial instability and job insecurity (53%), uncertainty about the future in a rapidly evolving world (53%), and constant exposure to negative news (45%). These concerns also extend to the workforce.
Salary pressures (54%), workload and tight deadlines (52%), and work-life balance issues (51%) were identified as major contributors to workplace stress.
In the UK, the integration of mental health support within employee benefits has gained significant attention, reflecting a growing recognition of its impact on overall employee wellbeing and organizational performance.
A study from Unum revealed that one-third of UK employees, approximately 10 million individuals, reported experiencing mental health issues. Notably, 25% indicated a deterioration in their mental health over the year.
A substantial 95% of employers prioritized investment in mental health support during 2024, underscoring a commitment to addressing these challenges within the workplace.
The financial impact on the UK economy was considerable, with work-related mental health issues costing approximately £57.4 billion annually, nearly doubling in recent years.
Sick leave related to mental health continues to rise. In the past year, 27% of employees reported taking leave for mental health reasons, an increase of 4 percentage points from 2023. This figure increases to 42% among younger adults.
According to AXA France’s Datascope 2025, mental health is now the primary cause of long-term sick leave.
Among younger adults, 52% believe their well-being is negatively affected by excessive use of social media and digital devices. At the same time, nearly half of this group seeks advice through digital channels.
The report also highlights the potential role of employers in improving employee well-being. While 52% of respondents expressed a desire for their employer to offer mental health support, only 47% reported currently having access to such resources.
Patrick Cohen (pictured above), CEO of European Markets & Health at AXA and a member of the company’s Management Committee, said that employers have an opportunity to reduce absenteeism and improve workforce retention by implementing prevention and support solutions in the workplace.
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