This article is based on the «2025 AXA Mind Health Report», conducted with Ipsos among 17,000 people in 16 countries. This 5th edition sheds light on the links between mental health, the working environment and employees' expectations.
[Official AXA source]
Companies take care of their finances, their reputation and their carbon footprint. But what about their mental capital? Mental capital is based on the mental equilibrium, resilience and motivation of the men and women who drive them forward every day. In 2025, this capital is on alert. Chronic stress, cognitive overload, loss of bearings... The signs of mental fatigue are multiplying in all sectors. And yet, in most organisations, the subject is still treated superficially, or even ignored. The AXA report sounds the alarm: it's time to act.
A silent state of emergency
The AXA 2025 report is unequivocal:
- 1 in 3 people say they live with a mental health problem.
- 64 % of employees feel a higher than average level of stress.
- 27 % were off work for psychological reasons.
- Among 18-24 year olds, 42 % are affected by severe levels of stress, anxiety or depression.
- Yet only 47 % of employers have a dedicated policy in place, while 52 % of employees expect one.
Mental health is no longer an individual issue. It is becoming a systemic, strategic and collective issue, with a direct impact on productivity, internal climate, employer brand and talent retention.
Why mental health is becoming a strategic lever
1. The challenge of sustainable performance
Psychological disorders impair concentration, creativity and motivation. Conversely, a climate of psychological security encourages commitment, cooperation and innovation. In companies with a mental health policy, the proportion of employees “suffering” is halved (8 % compared with 16 %).
2. Strong social expectations
The new generation of talent values caring and flexible environments. To recruit and retain staff, particularly in sectors under pressure, companies need to demonstrate their ability to care.
3. A high-impact CSR dimension
Taking action to improve the mental health of our employees means contributing to MDG 3 («Good health and well-being») and reinforcing the consistency of our ESG commitments. An active policy in this area is also a mark of seriousness in a B Corp approach or a company with a mission.
What practical steps can be taken?
There are many levers that can be activated gradually.
Encouraging people to talk These include training managers to detect weak signals, setting up discussion forums and offering anonymous listening facilities (hotlines, discussion groups, etc.).
Equipping employees proposing diagnostic tools (such as the Mind Health Self-Check), raising awareness through reliable content, including mental health in onboarding or in-house training.
Acting on the causes These include regulating workloads, introducing respected rest periods, promoting the right to disconnect and supporting family carers.
Co-creating a culture of care These include incorporating the issue into HR indicators, promoting well-being initiatives and involving employees in defining priorities.
A cultural change rather than an action plan
As Karima Silvent, AXA Group HR Director, points out:
«Mental health policies are not enough: we need to transform the entire managerial culture to make mental health a legitimate issue, one that is shared and integrated into strategy.»
This requires real involvement from senior managers, exemplary behaviour and structural consideration of the issue in the decision-making process.
Conclusion: what if 2025 was the year of the changeover?
Mental health reveals the human and managerial maturity of organisations. Companies that know how to treat it as a strategic pillar, and not simply as an HR or QWL issue, will gain in attractiveness, commitment and coherence. They will become workplaces where it's good to learn, grow, get through crises - and succeed together.
Full reference :
AXA & Ipsos (2025), Mind Health Report 2025, published in February 2025. Available online: https://www.axa.com/en/about-us/mind-health-report