With November upon us, the newly released GIBS October Health Workplace Well-being Report 2024 offers powerful insights into the mental health landscape in South African workplaces. As I went through the report, I found that burnout, stress, and anxiety remain widespread, impacting productivity, morale, and employee satisfaction across industries. Now more than ever, leadership is essential in creating a culture that champions mental well-being.
In South Africa, burnout is reaching critical levels. Nearly 47% of employees report experiencing burnout, with younger workers and women particularly affected. Yet, due to stigma around mental health, many people endure these challenges quietly, without seeking help. With remote and hybrid work models in place, feelings of isolation, work-life imbalance, and fatigue are on the rise, adding pressure to an already fragile workforce.
The 2024 report is a collaboration between October Health—a tech firm providing AI-driven mental health solutions—and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Based on South Africa’s first evidence-based Workplace Well-being Index, it reveals six overlapping dimensions of well-being: mental, physical, financial, social, emotional, and work-related. Together, these dimensions reflect a holistic view of employee well-being in South Africa today.
The Leadership Imperative for Well-being
Leadership is central to creating a supportive environment where employees feel safe to address mental health concerns without fear. October Health’s Co-Founder, Alon Lits, shares that “well-being is enhanced in workplaces where employees feel comfortable sharing concerns without fear of negative consequences.” Open communication and normalising conversations about mental health are shown to reduce stigma and boost employee morale and engagement.
The Economic Cost of Ignoring Mental Health
Mental health challenges come at a high price: according to October Health, lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism costs South Africa an estimated R250 billion each year, or around 4.5% of the country’s GDP. This staggering figure underscores the economic impact of unaddressed mental health issues and the need for proactive, compassionate workplace policies.
Report Insights on Leadership’s Role
Dr. Frank Magwegwe, Principal Researcher and GIBS faculty member, explains that the research highlights how leaders can directly influence employees’ mental and emotional well-being. “Intentional initiatives that boost the well-being of staff can significantly enhance workplace productivity and resilience,” Dr. Magwegwe notes. Supported employees are not only more engaged and loyal, but they also perform better, which benefits both individuals and the organisation as a whole.
Interestingly, the report finds that well-being is influenced less by age, gender, or income, but that racial disparities persist, with white participants reporting lower overall well-being scores than Black participants. Despite these challenges, South African employees demonstrate resilience, particularly across most well-being domains, though the financial domain remains an area of concern.
A New Vision for Workplace Well-being
Professor Louise Whittaker, Deputy Dean of GIBS, sums it up well: “We aim to embed employee well-being as a leadership priority.” Going forward, GIBS and October Health will continue to track well-being across six dimensions, highlighting the role of leadership and the importance of proactive workplace support. Professor Whittaker advocates for a shift in mindset: moving from viewing well-being and performance as separate to seeing them as interdependent.
As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time for leaders to consider their workplace culture. If you’re a manager, I encourage you to ask how your organisation is supporting mental health. With burnout and mental health issues affecting nearly half of South Africa’s workforce, prioritising well-being alongside productivity isn’t just about good business—it’s about sustaining a workforce that feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.