The conversation around workplace mental health has shifted from a human resources initiative to a boardroom priority for good reason, with 36% of the South African workforce experiencing excessive daily stress, according to the latest Gallup report. When employees struggle with stress, anxiety, or burnout, the impact reverberates through every level of a business.
In the consumer goods sector, these challenges are often heightened. Shift work disrupts natural rhythms. Physical demands add to mental strain. Financial pressures heavily burden workers supporting extended families. Yet many employees suffer in silence, unaware of available support and sometimes hesitant to seek help.
Understanding the real impact
Mental health challenges are not always clear. They manifest through subtle shifts — decreased engagement, more mistakes, interpersonal conflicts, and even resignation letters citing “personal reasons.” The report indicates that as many as 61% of South African employees are watching or actively seeking new jobs.
The real cost goes beyond individual suffering. Teams lose unity when key members face difficulties. Customer service quality drops. Safety incidents rise. Business knowledge leaves with each preventable staff departure.
Forward-thinking businesses recognise that supporting employee mental health is about safeguarding operational efficiency and preserving competitive advantage.
The CGMS response: Comprehensive psychosocial support
The Consumer Goods Medical Scheme has developed mental health benefits that recognise the realities of the industry’s workforce. This isn’t generic corporate wellness – it’s far-reaching support designed to make a meaningful change.
Members can access professional counselling services across all benefit options. Both telephonic and face-to-face counselling options ensure employees can receive help in the way that suits them best. Telephonic support provides immediate assistance without leaving work or home, while face-to-face sessions offer more comprehensive therapeutic help when needed.
UltraSave, Level A, B, C and CoreSave options extend mental health support beyond the individual to the entire family—because wellbeing at home shapes performance at work.
Through the psychosocial benefit, members can access early, practical support for everyday challenges, from financial stress to work-life balance. It’s care that steps in early, supports consistently, and helps build healthier, more resilient lives.
No matter their stage of life, CGMS recognises that prevention is always more effective than crisis management.
Technology-enabled support through uWellness®
The Universal.one App delivers mental health support in the digital age through uWellness® – an evidence-based platform that makes wellness accessible, immediate, and private. Key features include:
Immediate access to support
The “Talk to someone now” feature connects employees with professional counselling during moments of crisis. No appointments, no waiting periods – just instant professional support when it’s needed most.
Proactive mental health management
The “Mood Checker” encourages daily emotional tracking, helping employees to recognise patterns and seek support early. This self-awareness tool transforms reactive crisis management into proactive wellness.
Comprehensive wellness resources
Beyond crisis support, uWellness® offers:
- Evidence-based wellness content across eight dimensions of health
- Guided breathing exercises for stress management
- Self-assessment tools that enhance emotional intelligence
- Integration with wearable devices for holistic health tracking
- Personalised wellness dashboards that monitor progress over time
Implementation: From benefit to organisational culture
Having mental health benefits is pointless if employees do not utilise them. However, fostering a culture where seeking support is normalised requires an intentional strategy:
- Leadership engagement
When senior management openly discusses mental wellness and demonstrates the use of available resources, it signals a commitment that extends beyond policy documents.
- Education and awareness
Regular communication about available benefits, how to access them, and their confidential nature further removes barriers to utilisation. Many employees simply don’t know what’s available.
- Integration into operations
Building wellness check-ins into regular operational routines, such as team meetings, performance discussions, and safety briefings, normalises mental health as a key business consideration.
- Measuring success
Track utilisation rates, employee feedback, and operational metrics. When mental health support is effective, you will see improvements in retention, productivity, and team cohesion.
The business case for mental wellness
Businesses that prioritise employee mental health report notable operational gains. While specific metrics differ across sectors and implementations, common themes include:
- Reduced unplanned absences
- Improved employee retention
- Enhanced team productivity
- Stronger workplace culture
- Better customer service outcomes
It is important to recognise that these aren’t ‘soft’ benefits — they directly influence your bottom line through lower recruitment costs, sustained productivity, and retained institutional knowledge.
Moving forward
The question isn’t whether your employees face mental health challenges – they do. The real question is whether your organisation will proactively address these issues or reactively handle their effects.
CGMS has established the infrastructure. Professional counsellors are available to those who need them, and the technology has been tested and is ready for deployment. What is needed now is organisational commitment to making mental health support a visible, accessible element of your workplace culture.
For business leaders and healthcare advisors guiding these decisions, the way forward is clear: embed mental health support into your overall business strategy. Not just as an additional benefit, but as a core aspect of operational excellence. Remember, when your employees thrive mentally, your business thrives operationally.
Contact CGMS to explore how psychosocial counselling benefits can enhance your workforce and improve your business outcomes.