Mental health already costs US$5 trillion per year and the value could triple by 2030, says study

NR-1: see what changes with the new rule on mental health at work
Mental health conditions and brain disorders already cost the global economy around US$5 trillion per year - a value that could exceed US$16 trillion by 2030 if there are no effective interventions.
This is what the study "Creating Workplace Environments that Support Brain Health" points out, developed by Sodexo in partnership with Social Impact Partners and the Global Brain Health Initiative.
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According to the survey, depression and anxiety alone are responsible for US$ 1 trillion in lost productivity annually and 12 billion working days lost every year.
The study also highlights that disengaged employees generate losses estimated at US$8.8 trillion worldwide, equivalent to 9% of global GDP.
In this context, experts point out that the corporate environment has started to play a central role in reversing this situation. This is because workers spend, on average, 90 thousand hours at work throughout their lives, which makes this space strategic for promoting mental health care.
"The way work is organized, how leaders interact and how people rest and socialize directly influence mental health. Care needs to be incorporated into everyday life", says Ana Menegotto, vice president of people, communication and ESG at Sodexo Brasil.
The executive highlights that psychological safety cannot be treated as an isolated initiative, but as a result of the design of the environment and organizational culture.
The debate gains even more strength with the update of Regulatory Standard No. 1 (NR-1), in force since May, which expanded companies' responsibility for risks to workers' mental health. (understand what has changed)
Moral harassment at work can have consequences on the victim's mental and physical health
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The importance of care
The study proposes an integrated approach to mental health, considering factors such as diet, sleep, physical activity, physical environment, social connections, purpose, stress management, mental fitness and preventive care.
The publication brings together scientific evidence that shows how these elements directly influence people's cognitive health, productivity and ability to adapt. Among the highlights is the defense of healthier work environments.
The report points out that factors such as natural lighting, air quality, noise reduction, living spaces and encouraging rest can significantly improve cognitive performance and reduce stress.
One of the studies cited shows that workers in buildings with better ventilation and lower concentrations of pollutants performed up to 61% better in cognitive tests.
The research also highlights the importance of social relationships in the corporate environment. Data gathered in the document shows that loneliness increases the risk of dementia by 31% and is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression and mental exhaustion.
In addition to the human impact, experts argue that investing in mental health also generates financial returns. According to the report, initiatives aimed at brain health could add US$6.2 trillion to the global GDP by 2050, with a reduction in sick leave, increased engagement and improved productivity.
For the authors, the advancement of mental disorders requires that companies stop treating the issue just as a corporate benefit and start seeing it as part of the business strategy.
In this scenario, the workplace stops being a risk factor and starts acting as a protective agent - indicating that taking care of mental health is no longer just a social responsibility, but a condition for the sustainability of organizations.
NR-1: How do you know if you are in a toxic work environment? Take the QUIZ and find out how to report

Source: G1

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