Even as COVID-19 gradually fades from daily headlines, the profound impact it had on well-being and mental health remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding the modern workplace. This issue is a growing concern across sectors, but it has been a longstanding and particularly challenging problem in global development.
A 2015 survey conducted on the Global Development Professional Network found that 79% of the 754 respondents reported experiencing some form of mental health issues, with 93% attributing these issues to their work in the aid industry. Since then, the pandemic and Russia's war in Ukraine have only emphasized the need for development organizations to prioritize the mental health and well-being of their workers further.
HelpAge International, an NGO working to support older people worldwide, shared with Devex results of an internal survey with its Ukrainian staff based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. It revealed that 51% of the 51 respondents were emotionally exhausted and 68% had not taken any rest and relaxation, or R&R, in the last six months.
About the author
Katrina J. Lane
Katrina Lane is an Editorial Strategist and Reporter at Devex. She writes on ecologies and social inclusion, and also supports the creation of partnership content at Devex. She holds a degree in Psychology from Warwick University, offering a unique perspective on the cognitive frameworks and social factors that influence responses to global issues.
