"COVID-19: The mental health considerations for responsible business", 13 March 2020

"Companies should be aware of the potential stress and exacerbation of underlying mental health concerns... Mental health, as an issue, is receiving increasing attention in all regions and has moved steadily up the Global Burden of Disease indices. A study in the US shows work to be the number one cause of stress – around a quarter of the working population claiming severe stress through work, and 61% stating workplace stress had made them physically sick, with 7% hospitalised due to psychological impacts... Much of international human rights law and guidance is now based on an understanding that mental health affects access to human rights, and human rights abuses affect mental health... So, identifying mental health issues, whether internally or externally, can be a red flag for other human rights risks, as well as being a risk in and of itself... Mental health impacts can be cumulative – so employees, workers and their families may be absorbing a disproportionate amount of stress and anxiety from a combination of financial concerns, isolation from family, friends and colleagues, together with the toll of the actual or perceived risk of infection. It seems safe to assume that some people will be more vulnerable as a result. Currently, entire groups of the workforce and communities are facing these challenges... Stress associated with the financial burden of the outbreak seems to be increasingly matching the levels of stress of risk of catching the virus. So, reducing the financial stress and anxiety associated with the financial impacts can also be helpful... All such support should be informed by relevant local and cultural considerations e.g., not instituting formalised psychological support where existing traditional support structures are more effective, or where engaging in such sessions could marginalise, ostracise or jeopardise the wellbeing or prospects of workers... Safeguarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is a huge challenge for business, but one which can’t be ignored if we are to take a humane and effective approach to the crisis."