Swiss CEOs address rising mental health issues in workforce

Mental health challenges increasingly impact the Swiss workforce, affecting both economic performance and employee wellbeing. In a new initiative titled “The Cost of Silence,” eleven CEOs from major Swiss companies share their experiences to raise awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month.

On May 12, 2025, these CEOs participated in a video campaign where they discussed real-life situations related to mental health at work. Questions posed to them included candid scenarios like needing to nap in a restroom due to exhaustion. Out of over 100 CEOs approached, only 11 agreed to participate, highlighting the stigma still surrounding mental health in the workplace.

According to recent statistics, every 35 seconds, a worker in Switzerland takes sick leave for mental health issues, and every 90 seconds, someone suffers a burnout. These figures reflect a broader global trend where mental health remains a taboo topic, especially at work. The economic cost of neglecting mental health is staggering, with estimates indicating that mental illness results in a loss of productivity amounting to CHF 17.3 billion annually—approximately 2% of Switzerland’s GDP.

Nathalie Agosti, one of the campaign’s creators, emphasized the need for businesses to prioritize mental health as part of their strategy. She stated, “Managing mental health is business strategy. This initiative aims to eliminate stigma and position mental health as a vital driver of performance, making Switzerland competitive in the future.”

The pressure on executives is particularly intense, with more than one-third of C-level leaders reportedly working in survival mode due to stress. Claire Garwacki, another campaign co-initiator, noted that during meetings, one to two-thirds of participants often appear too exhausted to contribute fully, undermining productivity.

Research has shown that implementing mental health guidelines in companies can halve the percentage of employees experiencing mental health issues, reducing it from 16% to 8%. Patricia Mattle, CEO of Elipslife, remarked, “Neglecting mental health costs more than we want to admit. If companies cultivate empathy and create a proactive culture, they can turn mental health into a driver of returns.”

Furthermore, a Gallup survey found that companies with high employee engagement generate 147% more earnings per share compared to those with lower engagement levels. Leaders who prioritize mental health can foster an environment conducive to employee wellbeing. Muriel Langenberger, Managing Director at Pro Mente Sana, shared, “Organizations that promote mental health benefit from fewer sick days, increased motivation, and sustainable productivity. Mental health is essential for functioning together in society and in business.”

Those who act now to integrate mental health initiatives into their workplace will gain a competitive edge.

The video campaign,”The Cost of Silence,” was launched by Nathalie Agosti and Claire Garwacki, who previously gained attention for the “In Her Chair” initiative in 2024. In this latest project, eleven CEOs are surprised on camera with facts and anecdotes about mental health in the workplace, aiming to break the silence and raise awareness.

The participating CEOs include: – Nora Teuwsen, ABB Switzerland – Denis Machuel, Adecco Group – Florian Saur, AstraZeneca Switzerland – Patricia Mattle, Elipslife – Marc Werner, Galenica Group – Felix Graf, NZZ Group – Billy Kneubühl, Oracle Switzerland – Muriel Langenberger, Pro Mente Sana – Achim von Leoprechting, Tecan Group – Tina Müller, Weleda – Peter Spirig, previously V-ZUG

Additional statistics highlight the urgency of addressing mental health in the workplace: – 27% of employees have taken sick leave for mental health reasons, with 42% of those aged 18–24. – Over 50% of employees experience work-related stress, with 12% reporting severe stress. – In 2022, work absences due to mental illness increased by 20%.

The call to action from Swiss CEOs illustrates a growing recognition that mental health is not just a personal issue but a critical factor in organizational success.