AXA - Global Healthcare's 2024 mind health report reveals declining mental health in non-native workforce

Findings from our fourth global mind health report show that workplace wellbeing has continued to decline for non-native employees, with 4 in 5 (80%) experiencing negative mental health symptoms as a direct result of their working environment.

Our latest report, ‘A global state of mind’, details findings from a study of 1,458 non-native workers across 16 countries and finds that almost half (49%) of non-native employees have experienced burnout as a result of their job, and more than a quarter (27%) have been on sick leave at least once in the last year for problems relating to their mental health. 

Incidence of mental health conditions among non-native workers has risen by 10% since 2022, yet there’s been a 9% decrease in the number of non-natives seeking professional help with their wellbeing.

Our study also makes clear that non-native employees are struggling significantly more with their mental health than working natives. Not only are they 22% more likely than natives to attribute their mind health conditions to working factors, but they’re also more likely to experience negative mental health symptoms, such as a loss of pleasure in usual activities and feelings of worthlessness.

To reverse this decline in mind health, employers must invest in the right support and take proactive steps to close the mind health gap between their native and non-native employees, or else face significant consequences to staff retention and business success.

Speaking on the findings, Xavier Lestrade, CEO of AXA - Global Healthcare, commented: ‘It’s a concerning trend to see that mind health among the non-native community has been worsening year-on-year. The pandemic years have impressed upon employers the need to support good health among their employees, but effective mental health support is becoming paramount for companies to create a healthy working environment.

Health insurance policies which offer dedicated mental health support in multiple languages can help businesses to bridge the wellbeing gap for their non-native workforce, ensuring that the experience of working overseas remains successful and rewarding for both individuals and businesses worldwide.’

To read the full findings of our 2024 Global Mind Health Report, please click here.