The World Economic Forum's new Global Risks Report has identified deteriorating mental health as one of the top 5 global risks in 2022. Social risks have worsened the most in the wake of the pandemic, which has a direct impact on social cohesion and people's well-being .

This is reflected in the data. Over the last two years, there has been a global increase in cases of anxiety, dementia, depression, loneliness or stress. It is estimated that the pandemic has caused 53 million additional cases of depression and is already the world's leading cause of disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, physical and mental health are interrelated. Studies reveal that stress contributes to cardiovascular problems, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

This context poses a great challenge for public health systems due to their limitations in most countries when it comes to meeting the needs of their citizens and, in turn, has an impact on economic systems and labor markets.

The report "Fitter Minds, Fitter Jobs : From Awareness to Change in Integrated Mental Health, Skills and Work Policies", published by the OECD in 2021, estimates that people with mental problems are more likely to be unemployed and therefore have lower income levels. This gap stands at 20% and 17% respectively in 25 European OECD countries. It also has a direct impact on the productivity of economies. Data show that the world economy loses around one trillion dollars a year in productivity due to cases of anxiety and depression alone(WHO).

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being and affects how we think, feel or act. Against this backdrop, companies are making greater efforts to support and care for the mental health of workers as a key factor in the commitment to the health and sustainability of organizations. What actions can companies take?

1) Establishing a public commitment from the highest level

2) Fostering an organizational culture of openness and active listening.

3) Measure the state of mental health and well-being of workers and report it internally.

4) Provide training to employees and managers on how to respond to these situations.

Forética's Health and Sustainability Action Group will address in 2022, together with 13 large companies, how organizations are responding to the challenges of mental health through the health footprint. This idea provides insight into the contribution of companies to the health of their stakeholders and how this topic has recently positioned itself as a crucial element of the ESG sustainability agenda.