Global employee mental health declines, Calm survey reveals

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Sixty-nine percent of employees worldwide report their mental health has stayed the same or deteriorated over the past year, according to Calm’s 2024 Voice of the Workplace Report.

The software firm surveyed over 4,000 workers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and India, revealing an alarming crisis impacting workplace productivity and well-being.

An overwhelming 81% of respondents admitted struggling with nervousness, anxiety, and stress, while 68% cited sleep issues. 

“Almost as many—about 60%—said their anxiety or sleep challenges are affecting their performance at work,” the report said.

Cost of living pressures were the top factor negatively impacting the mental health of almost 60% of respondents. 

“52% of workers are seeking a supplemental source of income, which could make their stress and lack of focus even worse,” the report added.

Over half (58%) feel constantly connected to work, with a third reported being disrupted by devices and feeling tired from excessive screen time.

For women, 90% said family planning challenges consume their mental bandwidth and productivity. Just 25% felt supported for menopause needs, despite 35% saying their workplace backed reproductive health.

Meanwhile, Gen Z workers also struggle with the cost of living, loneliness, and career uncertainty. “Three-quarters of Gen Zers feel down or depressed, compared to about half of Gen Xers and baby boomers.”

Gen Z, described by Glassdoor as “caring deeply about community connections,” advocates most for more work flexibility and increased mental health or fertility care coverage. 

Employers acknowledged the toll, with about a third of training managers to be more mindful, to recognize mental distress, and to talk openly about mental health in the workplace.