“It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
10 October 2024
Around the world, roughly one in every eight people are living with a mental disorder. No community or society is spared. Suicide remains a major cause of death among young people,
and millions of individuals continue to suffer in silence.
This year, World Mental Health Day focuses on prioritizing mental health in the workplace.
Sixty percent of people over the age of fifteen are in employment, spending the majority of their
time in the workplace. And these spaces are far more than just where we carry out our jobs. 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.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new age of teleworking, the boundaries between
home and work are increasingly dissolving, creating even greater challenges for protecting the
mental health of employees.
Work is important for well-being; but well-being is also important for work. When employers
address risks to the mental health of their employees, they boost morale, lower absenteeism, and
increase employee engagement and productivity, strengthening their businesses and our
economies.
Everyone, both in the workplace and beyond, should have the knowledge and resources to
prioritise mental health, as well as access to quality mental health services without stigma or
barriers.
On this World Mental Health Day, and every day, let us remember that there is no health without
mental health. Let us commit to creating and maintaining safe, healthy work environments where
people can flourish.
