Workplace stress hits breaking point: SA companies must prioritise psychological safety

South African businesses, particularly in high-risk industrial sectors, face mounting pressure to prioritise employee mental well-being.

Experts warn that ignoring psychological health is no longer just a moral issue but also a legal responsibility.

Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of World Wide Industrial and Systems Engineers, a leading ISO standards and compliance consultancy, said companies must urgently address workplace stress.

“The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Equity Act place clear obligations on employers to take reasonably practicable steps to protect employee wellbeing, including psychological health,” he said.

Mental health statistics in South Africa paint a troubling picture. According to the 2024 CCMA Annual Labour Conference, 20% of South Africans will experience a depressive disorder at least once in their lifetime, while 16.5% suffer from common mental health conditions.

One in six South Africans struggles with anxiety, depression or substance use issues, yet fewer than 16% receive treatment. Nadine King, wellness clinical and quality manager at Life Health Solutions, noted that despite the financial impact on employers and the broader economy, many mental disorders remain under the radar in the workplace.

Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report for 2025 found that 36% of South Africa’s workforce experiences excessive daily stress. Ali said that while corporate South Africa is making progress, industrial sectors such as mining, manufacturing and engineering continue to lag.

Traditionally, these sectors focused almost exclusively on physical safety. Psychosocial hazards such as chronic stress, shift work and workplace bullying are now increasingly recognised as real threats to employee health.

“Some mining houses and manufacturers are beginning to integrate Employee Assistance Programmes and policies aligned to international standards such as ISO 45003,” Ali said.

ISO 45003, a globally recognised guideline on psychological health and safety in the workplace, is gaining traction among forward-thinking South African organisations.

Although not yet legally required, the Department of Employment and Labour has acknowledged its importance in fostering mentally healthier workplaces.

Ali emphasised that prioritising mental health is not only a compliance issue but also a driver of business performance.

“Healthy employees are more focused, innovative and motivated. Mental health programmes reduce absenteeism, improve retention and increase job satisfaction, especially among millennials and Gen-Z employees, who demand supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplaces,” he said.

He added that senior leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping organisational culture.

“Executives who openly support mental health initiatives and speak about their own well-being reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support,” Ali said.

Challenges remain, including stigma, lack of training and limited resources. Ali recommends that companies start by training senior managers to identify and manage psychosocial risks in their teams.

“That one step can have a profound impact,” he said.

WWISE urges South African industrial players to begin aligning their operations with ISO 45003 and to embed psychological health into existing occupational safety systems.

“Ultimately, mental health is health and it is time we treat it with the same seriousness as physical safety,” Ali said.

BUSINESS REPORT