Businesses must stop ignoring staff burnout
Depression, anxiety and burnout plague South Africa's workforce. Ignoring it puts both people and profits at risk.
It is sobering to look at the figures from the recently published Working Life Survey carried out by the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).
The mental conditions reported by workers countrywide look like the trauma you would expect to find on a bloody battlefield in a war.
According to the survey, 52% of those interviewed had been diagnosed with mental health conditions.
These ranged from 32% with depression, 25% suffering from stress, 18% from generalised anxiety disorder, 13% from burnout 13% and 10% who reported they had suffered trauma.
It would be easy to laugh off the findings in a typical 'cowboys don't cry' manner, accompanied with the suggestion to 'toughen up.'
After all, those thick-skinned people would argue, any person who has a job should consider themselves fortunate because almost 40% of adults are unemployed.
ALSO READ: Urgent mental health support needed as SA teachers buckle under pressure
Those sorts of approaches don't help people who are suffering, though. Krystle Kemp, Sadag projects manager, says: 'Living with depression, anxiety, or burnout can feel incredibly lonely, especially when your support system doesn't understand what you are going through because the family members often can't relate if they don't have their own first-hand experience.'
Labour analyst Bukani Mngoma said the survey results were not surprising because there has been an increase in the workload workers are carrying daily.
People therefore have to work harder, for the same pay and feel they cannot complain because they might get fired or retrenched.
Few organisations are really aware of the importance of having mental health support programmes, which do not enjoy priority in an economy where firms are under increasing financial pressure.
However, surely having a happier, settled workforce will improve productivity and, therefore, a company's bottom line?
Above all, though, should we not treat all people in a humane way?
NOW READ: Naps allow you to recharge but it's all about timing – here's what you need to know
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
16-05-2025
- Daily Maverick
UK's proposed assisted dying law faces next parliamentary test
Lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in November in favour of allowing assisted dying, paving the way for Britain to follow other countries such as Australia, Canada and some U.S. states in what would be the biggest social reform in a generation. The bill, under which mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help, has since come under intense scrutiny and has already been significantly revised. Lawmakers will get a final vote on the revised bill after what is likely to be a emotional debate given the sensitive subject matter. The high number of amendments — there are dozens — means the debate is likely to be continued next month. Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion. But some lawmakers have raised concerns over the proposed legislation's protections for vulnerable people. Others have said palliative care needs to be improved first. Both the Telegraph and Guardian newspapers reported that a growing number of lawmakers who had initially voted in favour of the bill are now planning to withdraw their support. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government is neutral on the bill, meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. The most significant change from the original bill is the removal of the need for court approval for an assisted death. Instead, a panel made up of a senior legal figure, a psychiatrist and a social worker would decide if an applicant is terminally ill and has the capacity to make the decision to end their own life. Any further amendments must be agreed separately by a vote. If Friday's session is deemed too short to consider the amendments, the legislation could return for further debate on June 13, before the crunch vote takes place. If it passes that vote, the legislation will be sent to the House of Lords, parliament's upper chamber, for further scrutiny. In 2015 British lawmakers rejected legalising assisted dying by a vote of 330 to 118. The legislation under consideration does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland. The Scottish parliament voted on Tuesday in favour of a similar bill, sending it for further legislative scrutiny.
eNCA
14-05-2025
- eNCA
More than half of employees have mental health conditions
JOHANNESBURG - More than half of all employees are grappling with mental health issues linked to their work environments. This is according to the SA Depression and Anxiety Group's 'Working Life' survey. It found a need for more effective mental health support structures within the workplace.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- IOL News
Breaking the silence on mental health: how to have those difficult conversations
Despite growing awareness around mental wellness, talking about it remains a challenge. Image: Antoni Shkraba Studio/Pexels You may have a friend who seems unusually quiet or a family member who's withdrawn. You want to ask them how they're feeling, but you hesitate, afraid it might be awkward or intrusive. Sound familiar? For many, this scenario is all too common when it comes to discussing mental health. Despite growing awareness around mental wellness, talking about it remains a challenge. Why is mental health so hard to talk about? In South Africa, mental health is often clouded by stigma. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), up to 1 in 6 South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, yet many never seek help. Why? Talking about mental health is frequently seen as a sign of weakness or failure. Cultural beliefs also play a role. In some communities, mental illness is misunderstood, often attributed to spiritual causes or dismissed as a lack of resilience. A 2022 study by the Human Sciences Research Council highlighted that 70% of South Africans associate mental illness with social stigma, making it harder for individuals to seek help or confide in others. Economic inequality further complicates the issue. In a country where over 55% of the population lives in poverty, many prioritise survival over mental well-being. For instance, it's not uncommon for someone struggling with depression to dismiss their symptoms, saying, 'There's no time to be sad; I need to put food on the table.' Why does talking about mental health matter? Despite these barriers, discussing mental health is essential. Open conversations can lead to early intervention, reducing the severity of mental health issues. Moreover, they help normalise seeking help, breaking the cycle of stigma. Studies show that social support significantly improves mental health outcomes. A 2021 report by SADAG found that individuals who talk about their struggles are more likely to seek professional help, adhere to treatment, and experience better recovery rates. Mental health struggles are deeply personal, and dismissive comments can do more harm than good. Image: Nappy/Pexels How to start the conversation Talking about mental health doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some practical tips: 1. Start small and casual If diving straight into a conversation about mental health feels intimidating, begin with something lighter. Ask your friend or loved one how they're doing in general. For example, 'How's work been lately?' or 'How are things at home?' This approach creates a safe space for them to open up. 2. Acknowledge their struggles If you know someone is going through a tough time, whether it's job loss, grief, or trauma, acknowledge it. Say something like, 'I've noticed you've been quieter than usual. I want you to know I'm here if you need to talk.' This validates their feelings without being intrusive. 3. Offer practical support Acts of kindness can facilitate deeper conversations. Offer to help with practical tasks, such as picking up groceries or assisting with childcare. These gestures show that you care and can create opportunities for deeper conversations. 4. Avoid judgemental language Mental health struggles are deeply personal, and dismissive comments can do more harm than good. Avoid phrases like 'You're overreacting' or 'Just snap out of it.' Instead, use empathetic language such as, 'I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.' 5. Ask open-ended questions Rather than offering advice, ask questions that invite the person to share their feelings. For example, 'What can I do to support you?' or 'What do you think would help you feel better?' This empowers them to express their needs. 6. Be patient Sometimes, people aren't ready to talk, and that's okay. Let them know you're available when they're ready. \A simple message like, 'I'm here if you ever want to chat,' can make a big difference. Local resources for mental health support We live in a country with limited access to mental health services, but organisations like SADAG and Lifeline offer free or low-cost support. Encourage your loved ones to reach out to these resources: SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group): 24-hour helpline at 0800 456 789. Lifeline South Africa: Call 0861 322 322 for confidential support. LoveLife: Aimed at youth mental health, they offer counselling at 083 323 1023. Community-based initiatives, such as peer support groups in townships and rural areas, also play a crucial role in bridging the mental health gap. Mental health is a journey, not a destination. By starting conversations, we can help normalise mental wellness and create a culture of understanding and support. Mental health is something we all have, and taking care of it is a collective responsibility.
