Mental health: The number one issue for your business… and for you

This Friday, October 10, marks World Mental Health Day. But there's no need to wait for a calendar date to recognize the issue: nearly 4 in 10 workers today are experiencing some form of psychological distress. And the insurance sector is no exception. 

Performance pressure, sales targets, regulatory demands, clients in crisis… eventually, the weight becomes too much. Beyond occasional stress, this is now a widespread trend affecting employees and managers alike, with major consequences for their health—and by extension, the organization. 

So this month, I want to talk about psychological health, and why it should remain your number one priority. 

High-premium pressure 

If you're a broker, underwriter, or manager, you know it all too well: files pile up, deadlines shrink, and demands skyrocket. Stress, fatigue, and the feeling of constantly being “off track” are no longer the exception. They’ve become the rule. 

The numbers speak for themselves: rising absenteeism, declining productivity, plummeting engagement, and increasing turnover. In short, it’s expensive. But more importantly, it wears down the very people who keep the business running. 

Ultimately, this malaise goes beyond the individual. It weakens entire teams, deteriorates the client experience, and slows growth. And when the very foundation starts to crack, the whole organization wobbles. 

What about leadership? 

We often talk about employees, but leaders aren’t spared. If you’re one of them, you know it: the pressure to deliver results, the weight of decisions, the isolation… that mix often drains your energy. It’s no secret—leading a business or a team in such a demanding sector is no small task. 

This constant pressure affects your energy, your ability to make clear decisions, and to maintain a calm and productive atmosphere. In fact, your mental health is the foundation of organizational health. When it falters, the consequences can be felt throughout team cohesion and internal dynamics. 

That’s why it’s essential for you to have access to proper support, to feel free to talk about your struggles, and to serve as a role model in managing mental health in the workplace. 

How to take action? 

There’s no magic formula—just good old common sense. 

Start by opening up the conversation about workload, making psychological support more accessible, and training managers to recognize signs of distress. At the same time, implement policies that truly support a healthy work-life balance. 

The most important thing? Create an environment where talking about mental health is as natural as talking about sales figures. 

For remote teams, this means: 

• Taking time for genuine conversations; 
• Establishing simple, judgment-free communication rituals to maintain human connection; 
• Training leaders to detect even subtle signs of distress and respond with empathy; 
• Offering concrete, accessible awareness programs; 
• Encouraging flexibility while respecting individual circumstances. 

And on a personal level, the challenge is also knowing when to raise your hand and ask for help. Acknowledging your limits is a sign of strength, not weakness. We must give ourselves permission to disconnect, build support networks, and use the resources available. Taking care of yourself is also taking care of everyone around you. 

Everyone wins 

A high-performing company is first and foremost a company powered by healthy people. So supporting mental health isn’t just a human act—it’s a smart business strategy. It leads to lower absenteeism, higher engagement, better talent retention… and more satisfied clients. 

So, as World Mental Health Day approaches, here’s a simple challenge for you: make mental health your number one priority this year. For yourself. For your teams. It may be the best insurance you can buy for the future.