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Scaling Global Mental Health Strategies

Multinational companies are in a prime position to drive progress in employee mental health. However, expanding across diverse regions makes implementing effective strategies at scale challenging. New research from Economist Impact, sponsored by Lyra, offers actionable solutions based on an expert panel with global HR leaders and a survey of over 1,800 employees across six countries.

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Countries surveyed

Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, India, China

1

Tailor strategies to cultural and geographic needs

Adopt a global minimum mental health standard while adapting to local norms

Work-life balance is a global priority, but many workplace cultures encourage overwork, which can harm workers' mental health

Of employees feel stressed at work often or all the time

Report heavy workloads or poor work-life balance

Employees say cultural attitudes make it difficult to discuss or seek help for mental health issues

India: 61–66%

China: 64–66%

United Kingdom: 29–38%

Germany: 30–32%

Mexico: 57–64%

Tip: Partner with local organizations to align with work-life balance norms and address stigma, while staying ahead of psychosocial risk regulations and emerging requirements

2

Encourage leaders to advocate for mental health

Leadership support is improving, but there’s room for growth

Of employees are satisfied with senior management’s commitment to mental health

Are satisfied with workplace openness around discussing mental health

Say their workplace encourages employees to use employer-provided mental health benefits

Tip: In high-stigma environments, focus on two key strategies: 
1) Collaborate with local employee resource groups for cultural sensitivity
2) Normalize mental health conversations at every level to empower leaders as advocates

3

Invest in effective mental health support

Investing in mental health boosts productivity, improves economic returns, and enhances company reputation,
but support is often misaligned with employee needs

Most common types of employer-provided support

Of employees have access to a designated mental health leader

But

don't use it

Of employees have access to an in-house mental health support team

But

don’t use it

Mental health tools employees find most helpful

Flexible working arrangements

Peer support groups

Services employees want, but don't have

Onsite counseling services

Virtual wellness programs

Virtual counseling services

Tip: Support mental health by addressing both personal well-being and the physical and mental aspects of the work environment to prevent issues before they start

Get more insights

Explore more best practices for building a global mental health strategy that meets the needs of your diverse workforce.

Download the report

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