A survey has found that 9 in 10 people have reported experiencing early symptoms linked to mental health issues. The Organisation Psychological Risk Assessment (OPRA) survey conducted by X-Leap, was shared with a group of mental health practitioners, HR professionals, and OD experts.
OPRA results were captured from a pool of 71 global respondents, who represent all walks of professional work life, from freelancers to permanent employees. Out of this, approximately 67% are those with post-graduate degrees, while around 27% of them hold graduate degrees.
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As the survey shows, there are factors being experienced by respondents that could put organizations at strategic risk. These parameters are directly related to a person’s job, the organization’s culture and leadership and factors like mental wellbeing support. Although 80% responded that they found their job to be meaningful, 40% found their work profiles to be monotonous. While looking at an organization’s culture and leadership, 35% weren’t happy with how change was managed at their company. 1 in 4 felt that there was a lack of flexibility in work hours. What was significant was that half of the respondents were not confident with speaking about mental health issues at their workplace.
People also reported facing a range of symptoms with different levels of severity. Based on this, respondents were divided into those facing severe and those facing mild symptoms. Severe symptoms include, but are not limited to, physical and mental issues like insomnia, gastric/digestive issues, lack of concentration, and poor decision-making. Factors like uncertainty in the workplace and striking a work-life balance were reported to affect those with intense symptoms in a greater way.
Difference found among the mild and intense symptom groups as shown in the reportA further deep dive into the two groups shows that a person’s intersectional identity (for e.g. age, gender seniority) also offers more detail. For example, among respondents, women have been found to be more sensitive to factors like work environment than men. Whereas, factors like job security factor more where men are involved.
Also read: Mental Health: Awareness to Action
OPRA is supported by Norwegian-based consultancy firm VMerge, boutique HR and well-being firm The 7th Fold, and social enterprise Rays of Yoga. X-Leap is a human-centred strategy and culture solutions firm.
