A nationwide report on workplace mental health, titled the ‘State of Emotional Well-being Report 2024,’ has found that over 90% of corporate employees under the age of 25 displayed symptoms of anxiety, compared to 67% of those aged over 45.
The report, compiled by 1to1help, an employee assistance programme provider, analysed data from more than 83,000 counselling sessions, 12,000 screenings, and 42,000 assessments conducted between January and November 2024. It underscores the increasing mental health challenges faced by younger employees and the critical need for structured organisational support.
The report recorded a rise in the use of counselling services in 2024 compared to the previous year, with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress making up 15% of the total sessions. Workplace relationship issues were the most frequently discussed topic, representing 23% of sessions, followed by work-related concerns at 11%.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety were markedly more severe among individuals under 30. According to the report, this is likely due to stressors such as relocation, career transitions, and relationship struggles during early adulthood. The report suggests organisations could support younger employees by fostering open communication, offering flexible working conditions, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
Of particular concern, the report noted an increase in suicide risk among employees, which rose from 19% in 2023 to 22% in 2024. Cases of distress also grew from 12% to 17% over the same period. Alarmingly, 59% of employees referred by their managers displayed signs of self-harm, underscoring the pressing need for manager training to identify and assist staff in distress.
The report also pointed to shifting perceptions around mental health. Counselling sessions for men increased by 7%, with men accounting for 70% of consultations related to financial anxiety, reflecting societal pressures tied to their role as primary earners. Women, despite lower workforce representation, made up 52% of all counselling sessions, suggesting either greater awareness or a higher willingness to seek help. Additionally, only 3% of employees maintained a healthy digital balance, with most struggling to disconnect from devices, highlighting the need for strategies to promote healthier technology use.
The findings also demonstrated the impact of timely mental health interventions. Over 98% of employees who engaged in counselling achieved their goals or showed significant progress within just three sessions. Among those who initially screened positive for depression, 53% reported a substantial reduction in symptoms, while 48% experienced decreased anxiety.
“These results demonstrate that structured counselling can effectively address emotional challenges and improve well-being in a short period of time,” the report stated.
Mahua Bisht, CEO of 1to1help, stressed the need to cultivate psychologically safe workplaces, train managers to identify and support distressed employees, and extend mental health support to the dependents of employees.