October Health – 2025 Report
Productivity in Eswatini 
The leading cause of productivity stress in Eswatini is often linked to economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and job insecurity. Additionally, workplace issues such as inadequate resources, long working hours, and limited support for mental health exacerbate stress levels. Providing mental health support through programs like those offered by October and October can help address these challenges and improve employee well-being.
- Productivity Prevalence
- 29.77%
- Affected people
- 16,373,500
Impact on the people of Eswatini
Effects of High Productivity Stress on Health and Personal Life
-
Mental Health Issues: Increased anxiety, depression, and burnout due to constant pressure to perform.
-
Physical Health Problems: Higher risk of conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders from chronic stress.
-
Work-Life Imbalance: Difficulty in balancing work responsibilities with personal life, leading to strained relationships.
-
Reduced Job Satisfaction: Diminished motivation and engagement at work, resulting in lower productivity and morale.
-
Cognitive Impairment: Impaired concentration, decision-making, and memory due to overwhelming stress levels.
Encouraging employees to participate in mental health programs, such as those offered by October, can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
Impact on the Eswatini Economy
Effects of High Productivity Stress on an Economy
-
Decreased Employee Well-being
High productivity stress can lead to burnout, mental health issues, and decreased job satisfaction, causing a decline in overall employee well-being. -
Increased Absenteeism
Employees experiencing high stress may take more sick days, leading to reduced productivity and increased costs for businesses. -
Lower Productivity
Paradoxically, excessive pressure to perform can result in lower productivity, as stressed employees might struggle to focus, make mistakes, or take longer to complete tasks. -
Higher Turnover Rates
Elevated stress levels can lead to increased turnover, as employees seek healthier work environments, resulting in added recruitment and training costs for companies. -
Economic Instability
A workforce suffering from high levels of stress may contribute to broader economic instability, as reduced productivity and high turnover can impact overall economic growth.
Implementing mental health support, such as programs offered by organizations like October and October, can help mitigate these effects by fostering a healthier work environment.
What can government do to assist?
-
Implement Mental Health Training: Provide workshops and training for employers and employees to recognize and manage stress.
-
Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote policies that support flexible work schedules, allowing employees to manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
-
Increase Access to Mental Health Resources: Facilitate access to counseling and mental health services, such as those offered by October, for employees.
-
Promote a Positive Work Environment: Foster a culture of support where employees feel valued and engaged.
-
Regular Assessments and Feedback: Conduct workplace assessments to gauge stress levels and gather employee feedback to inform improvements.
What can businesses do to assist their employees?
-
Implement Flexible Work Hours: Allow employees to choose their work times, which can help reduce stress and enhance work-life balance.
-
Encourage Breaks: Promote regular short breaks throughout the day to help employees recharge and prevent burnout.
-
Provide Mental Health Resources: Offer access to mental health services like counseling or digital platforms such as October for group sessions and support.
-
Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing stressors without fear of judgment.
-
Set Realistic Goals: Ensure that workloads and deadlines are manageable, and encourage employees to voice concerns regarding their tasks.