Workers’ mental health declined during pandemic

A recent survey showed that the mental health of Filipino workers declined during the pandemic.

In a survey of more 6,000 employees in the Philippines conducted by mental health and well-being organization MindNation, Filipino employees rated their mental wellness at work at 6.5 after the pandemic, down from 8 before the health crisis.

Most impacted were workers aged 18-25, single individuals with no children, full-time night shift employees, members of the LGBTQ community and employees who did not state their gender.

More than 61% of respondents said they were stressed, 53% were either worried or anxious, 34% were depressed and 32% felt empty.

The biggest driver of the decline in Filipino workers’ mental health is the fear of COVID-19, which 80% of respondents said contributed to their worries. 

Following that are financial pressures (47%), personal matters (44%), work performance pressure (44%) and trying to juggle both family and work (25%).

The result of these strains on Filipino workers’ mental health is presenteeism, talent loss and absenteeism. 

Thirty-five percent of the surveyed employees said they are having productivity issues which affect their work, losing an average of two hours of productivity a day. Meanwhile, 23% said they would “think about” quitting due to mental health and well-being challenges. A further 13% said they would take sick days due to these hurdles.

According to MindNation, the issue of mental health and well-being faced by employees cost businesses at least P7 million in the last year alone. It recommends that companies strive to stop the stigma on mental health and well-being, to partner with a mental health and well-being provider, and to form a mental health company policy.