Productivity losses linked to untreated mental health conditions could approach 5% of gross domestic product by 2030, with as many as one in three working-age adults affected, according to analysis by Zurich Insurance Group.

Across the countries studied, people living with mental health conditions are projected to lose between 60 and 67 days of healthy life each year, equating to 7% to 14% of total well-being losses. In some countries, the employment gap between those with and without mental health conditions reaches 29%, as individuals leave jobs, struggle to return or never enter the workforce.

The wider cost is substantial, with total well-being losses approaching one trillion US dollars annually across the six markets analysed, and in some cases reaching up to 49 times formal mental health spending. Much of this burden falls on families, including unpaid care of up to 1,275 hours per year and out-of-pocket costs covering up to 43% of treatment.

Alison Martin, chief executive of life, health and bank distribution at Zurich, said: “As mental health challenges increasingly impact economies at a structural level, it’s essential for companies to play their part in building resilient protection systems. In our experience, around one-third of our customers’ employees who receive early support through Zurich’s rehabilitation services can stay in work, rather than leaving the workforce altogether. That is why business leaders should act sooner – to prevent early distress from turning into long term workforce and social disengagement.”

The Value of Mental Health report analysed public data to assess the current and future impact of mental health conditions in Australia, Chile, Germany, Malaysia, UAE and the UK. The report measured effects on people, productivity and protection systems through to 2030.

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