AXA Mind Health Event highlights mental well-being challenges

The AXA Mind Health Event, organized by AXA and HRmagazine, addressed the growing complexities of mental health in the modern era. Discussions emphasized that mental well-being is shaped by the intersection of professional life, private life, societal uncertainty, and digital environments.

Professor Lode Godderis, CEO of IDEWE, presented findings from the AXA Mind Health Study regarding Belgian mental health trends. The study identifies four levels of well-being: flourishing, getting by, languishing, and struggling. A notable trend is the shift from ‘getting by’ to ‘languishing,’ where individuals remain functional but experience diminished well-being and performance.

Key stressors include workplace pressure, financial strain, and future uncertainty. Younger populations are identified as particularly vulnerable due to social media and comparison culture. While digital technology and AI can increase screen time and stress, they also offer potential as support tools; 74 percent of young people expect AI to become a common support tool.

In the workplace, direct managers serve as critical buffers against burnout, though they face increasing pressure to balance results with team well-being. Organizations are encouraged to support successful returns to work through customized approaches, including maintaining contact and adjusting tasks during recovery.