More than half the world’s population are currently in work and 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder. Without effective support, mental disorders and other mental health conditions can affect a person’s confidence and identity at work, capacity to work productively, absences and the ease with which to retain or gain work. Twelve billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety alone. Furthermore, people living with severe mental health conditions are largely excluded from work despite this being important for recovery. Mental health conditions can also impact families, carers, colleagues, communities, and society at large. Depression and anxiety cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year predominantly from reduced productivity.

Everyone has the right to work and all workers have the right to a safe and healthy working environment. Work can be a protective factor for mental health, but it can also contribute to worsening mental health. Work-related mental health conditions are preventable. Much can also be done to protect and promote mental health at work and support people with mental health conditions to participate fully and equitably in work.

WHO has developed Guidelines on mental health at work. This is accompanied by the Mental health at work: Policy brief developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organization. Together, these products aim to improve the implementation of evidence-based recommendations for mental health at work to promote mental health, prevent mental health conditions, and enable people living with mental health conditions to participate and thrive in work.

Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases

European Union Compass for Action on mental health and well-being: Mental health in the workplace in Europe

WHO Mental health policies and programmes in the workplace

OECD (2012), Sick on the Job? Myths and Realities about Mental Health and Work, Mental Health and Work, OECD

World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Mental Health 2014-2016 - Seven actions towards a mentally healthy organisation

WHO EURO Mental health and well-being at the workplace–protection and inclusion in challenging times.