By Chioma Obinna

One of Nigeria’s leading insurance companies,  AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has unveiled the AXA Mind Health Report 2025, revealing concerning trends about mental health in the workplace and among young people.

The comprehensive study stressed  the vital importance of prioritising mental well-being as part of overall health and well-being in today’s society.

The General Counsel and Human Resource Director of AXA Mansard,  Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi emphasised the significance of the report in light of ongoing global mental health challenges.

“The state of mind health in the world continues to give cause for concern, with a lot of people currently experiencing a mental health condition.

“This fifth edition of the report shows a worrying trend among our youth. We also observe an interesting trend in the workplace that reveals work impacts employees’ mental health either as a source of support or a source of issues.”

According to the findings, nearly half (44  per cent) of young adults between 18 and 24 are currently grappling with mental health conditions, with excessive social media use and financial instability being identified as major contributing factors.

The report also highlights the prevalence of work-related stress, pointing to excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and a lack of work-life balance as key mental health stressors for employees.

Adewusi stressed the importance of companies addressing mental health in the workplace.

“Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Organizations must implement policies that support their employees,” she said.

At AXA Mansard, the company’s commitment to mental health is reflected in its We Care Programme, which offers employees flexible working hours, access to professional counseling, monthly health workshops, and a variety of benefits, including extended paternity and caregiver leave.

The report, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS and based on responses from 17,000 participants across 16 countries, serves as a call to action for business leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of wellness.

“We are calling on business leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to foster a wellness culture that promotes positive mental health and supports individuals in reaching their full potential,” Adewusi added.

The AXA Mind Health Report 2025 paints a clear picture of the urgency to address mental health, urging employers to consider the impact of their policies on employee wellness and take steps toward mitigating mental health issues globally.