Six in ten South African workers say they wish they could afford to leave their jobs, while half start their week feeling unhappy, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Working Life Survey (2024), highlighting growing mental pressure in the workplace.
Based on 963 responses, the survey also found that more than half of participants live with a diagnosed mental health condition, pointing to the significant impact of stress, burnout and job insecurity across multiple sectors.
“At SADAG, we receive calls every day from employees who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burnt out, or struggling to cope with the pressures of work and life,” said Lyn Labuschagne, SADAG Corporate Wellness Manager. “Many people reach out when they feel they have nowhere else to turn, often at a point where stress has already begun to impact their wellbeing, relationships, and performance.”
She added that workplace stress extends beyond workload. “What we are seeing is that workplace stress is not just about workload, it’s also linked to financial pressure, trauma, job insecurity, and a lack of mental health support systems within organisations,” Labuschagne said.
Through its Corporate Wellness and Employee Assistance Programme services, SADAG said it partners with companies and medical aids to provide helplines, counselling, crisis and emotional support, as well as training and awareness initiatives aimed at building healthier workplaces.
“Our goal is to help organisations move from only reacting to problems to creating environments where mental health is prioritised, stigma is reduced, and employees feel safe to ask for help, because when mental health is supported at work, both people and organisations can cope better,” SADAG said.
Researcher Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter said many workers do not feel they have the option to resign despite mounting pressure. “In South Africa, many employees don’t have the option of a resignation to show they are unhappy,” she said.
“With 52% diagnosed with stress-related mental health conditions, 61% wanting to quit, and 75% unable to switch off after hours, it’s clear that workplaces must change, starting with limiting after-hours communication and allowing employees to take leave when needed for healthcare,” she added.
Clinical psychologist Lauren Davis said prioritising mental health is essential for organisational performance. “Workplace mental health isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the backbone of performance,” she said.
“When people feel supported, understood, and mentally well, they don’t just cope, they thrive. That has a direct impact on productivity, morale, and the overall success of any organisation,” Davis added.