Mental health challenges linked to significant life changes cost the Australian economy $10.7 billion and 18.5 million working days each year. A joint study by Bupa and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) found that earlier support could prevent $219 million in losses and restore 403,000 workdays annually.
Life events and workplace impact
The study examined how events such as returning to work after having a child, losing a loved one, caring for family members, divorce, and marriage influence mental health and job performance. Workers who took steps like discussing their situation with family, consulting professionals, or visiting a doctor missed two fewer sick days on average.
Still, 70% of participants said they regretted not reaching out for help sooner. The global impact of these events includes 1.7 billion lost workdays and $636 billion in reduced productivity.
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Of those who went through at least one major life event, 69% felt emotionally overwhelmed, 53% had trouble focusing at work, and 52% experienced a drop in confidence. These struggles often lead to presenteeism, where employees are physically present but less effective.
Why people delay support
Guneet Sawhney, managing director of healthcare services at Bupa, observed that individuals often plan for the practical and financial sides of life changes but neglect their mental well-being. “Many people wish they had sought support earlier,” he said. “Whether adjusting to parenthood, supporting a sick relative, or dealing with grief, mental health shapes how we handle these experiences.”
Liam Daly, a senior economist at CEBR, noted that major life moments rarely stay separate from professional life. “They affect work in ways that are easy to overlook,” he said. Those who address their mental and physical health early tend to maintain better productivity.
The pattern extends beyond individuals. When people postpone help, the consequences grow—not just for them, but for employers and the broader economy.
Presenteeism’s hidden toll
The study pointed to presenteeism as a key factor in lost productivity. Employees dealing with focus or confidence issues may not take leave, but their work suffers.
Daly explained that the findings came from surveys across multiple countries, showing this isn’t only an Australian concern. The global figures reveal a widespread issue that many workplaces haven’t fully tackled.
The gap between needing help and asking for it remains large. Until that changes, the economic and personal costs will continue to rise.
