Mental health is a priority for 99 percent of female and 92 percent of male executives, according to the Gender Equality Survey by Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the “world’s largest” global network of business leaders, which counts the CEOs of several well-known multinationals among its members.
The survey with 300 leaders, of all ages, across 57 countries, was aimed at raising awareness around gender equality.
In a statement, YPO said that according to the WHO, women as a whole tend to be twice as likely as men to suffer from depression and anxiety, and not surprisingly, the problem is even more prevalent among working women.
“Concerns over COVID-19 and social injustice have dominated conversations. The mental health of mothers, senior-level female executives and black women has never been more at risk, according to the most recent Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey and LeanIn.org, which details the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on those three groups,” the survey report said.
“It is a time of rapid change and in the YPO Gender Equality Survey, the sentiment was reiterated that now, more than ever, women with their eyes set on or in C-Suite positions must proactively nurture their mental wellness,” the report added.
The survey saw over half the respondent members citing navigating and communicating constant change as pivotal to the narrative of #BreakTheBias, a 20 percent increase from last year.
Further challenges that have been amplified in the last year, as noted in the survey by the chief executives, included staying ahead of the competition (46 percent), competing priorities (46 percent), and balancing work and life responsibilities (46 percent).
Loneliness as a challenge within the workplace has decreased from 2021 and was referenced by fewer than 15 percent of the participants.
“This all reiterates the need to keep a relentless focus on gender diversity while upskilling people. Achieving gender equality is about equal opportunity. Equal opportunities for people to learn new skills, progress their careers and reach their full potential. Alongside the inclusion of a diversity strategy, increased hiring of women, manifesting a culture of equality, incorporation of flexible working arrangements, and acknowledging merit,” the survey said.
Gender equality and a culture of gender inclusiveness as the most dominant focus of the chief executives at 25 percent.
Dr. Reem Osman, the Regional CEO at Saudi German Hospitals Group, said, “The overarching narrative of #BreakTheBias has never been more prevalent and it is one I am passionate about sharing. I am a member of YPO, the global leadership community of chief executives.”
She said the executives, who responded to the survey, answered a series of questions that discussed the “biggest challenges and obstacles, tangible actions and success stories”.
“What we heard is that the world of work has changed for all and, with this, the discussion around gender equality has evolved and opened up further dialogues, which include the importance of mental health,” she said.