October Health – 2025 Report
Female Demographic in South Africa
Leading cause of stress for women in South Africa (population level) is safety and crime-related concerns, including gender-based violence. In the workplace, this can manifest as heightened anxiety around safety and commuting; address with a safe work environment, clear reporting procedures, flexible options, and accessible mental health support (e.g., October digital group sessions and assessments).
How mental health affects the Female demographic differently
Stresses that can disproportionately affect women in SA workplaces
- Sexual harassment and gender discrimination at work.
- Pay gaps and slower career progression leading to job insecurity.
- Caregiving burdens (children, elders) and the related time pressure.
- Emotional labor and expectations to manage others' emotions (often invisible and unpaid).
- Health-related work pressures (pregnancy, maternity leave and return, menopause symptoms).
- Safety concerns (harassment, violence, and unsafe commuting or work environments).
- Access to tailored mental health support (e.g., October) to address these stresses.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the Female demographic in South African?
Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.
Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.