October Health – 2025 Report

Life changes in South Africa

The leading cause of life changes stress in South Africa at the population level is generally related to economic and social factors, primarily unemployment and financial instability. High unemployment rates, poverty, and inequality create widespread stress due to uncertainties around income, job security, and access to basic needs. This socio-economic stress significantly impacts mental health across the population. In the workplace, this can manifest as increased anxiety, decreased productivity, and higher absenteeism. Digital group sessions and assessments from platforms like October can help workplaces identify and address these stressors collectively.

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Life changes Prevalence
21.42%
Affected people
11,781,000

Impact on the people of South Africa

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:
    Increased risk of cardiovascular issues, weakened immune system, headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

  • Mental Health:
    Heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, reduced concentration, and burnout.

  • Personal Life:
    Strained relationships, reduced social interaction, decreased productivity, and impaired decision-making.

Workplace Tip: Consider using tools like October’s digital group sessions to help employees manage stress and improve resilience.

Impact on the South Africa Economy

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on an Economy:

  • Reduced Productivity: Employees experiencing high stress from life changes (e.g., relocation, loss of a family member) often have diminished focus and energy, leading to lower workplace productivity.
  • Increased Absenteeism: Stress-related health issues can increase sick leave and absenteeism, disrupting business operations.
  • Higher Healthcare Costs: Stress contributes to physical and mental health conditions, raising employer healthcare expenses and public health system burdens.
  • Decreased Workforce Engagement: Stressed employees may show less motivation and commitment, increasing turnover rates and recruitment costs.
  • Impact on Consumer Spending: Stress can reduce disposable income due to medical expenses and reduced work hours, dampening overall economic consumption.

For workplaces in South Africa, incorporating stress assessments and digital group sessions via platforms like October can help mitigate these effects by supporting employee mental health proactively.

What can government do to assist?

How a Country Can Lower Life Changes Stress

  1. Enhance Social Support Systems

    • Improve access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups.
    • Promote community-building programs to reduce isolation.

  2. Implement Work-Life Balance Policies

    • Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options.
    • Legislate reasonable leave policies for significant life events (e.g., bereavement, childbirth).

  3. Provide Financial Safety Nets

    • Offer unemployment benefits and social grants to reduce financial pressure during life changes.
    • Increase access to affordable healthcare to alleviate stress related to medical emergencies.

  4. Promote Education and Awareness

    • Launch public campaigns about coping strategies for life changes and stress management.
    • Integrate mental health literacy into school curricula and workplace training.

  5. Support Employment Stability

    • Encourage companies to provide job security and support during transitions (e.g., job loss, relocation).
    • Promote workplace mental health programs, such as those offered by October and October, to assist employees in managing stress related to life changes.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

How Companies Can Lower Life Changes Stress

  1. Flexible Work Arrangements
    Offer remote work, flexible hours, or part-time options to help employees manage life transitions.

  2. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
    Provide access to counseling services for personal or family issues related to life changes (e.g., divorce, bereavement).

  3. Regular Check-ins and Support
    Encourage managers to have open conversations and check in on employees’ well-being, especially during major life events.

  4. Workload Management
    Adjust workloads temporarily during employees' significant life changes to reduce pressure.

  5. Provide Mental Health Resources
    Use digital group sessions or content from platforms like October to educate employees on coping strategies for life stress.

  6. Create a Supportive Culture
    Foster a workplace culture where employees feel safe to share their challenges and seek support.

Implementing these can help employees navigate life changes with less stress, benefiting overall productivity and mental health.