Mental health challenges remain one of the biggest drivers of lost productivity in South African workplaces and one of the most visible symptoms is “clockwatching”. Employees struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout often disengage, counting down the hours rather than performing at their best. This behaviour, while subtle, signals deeper wellbeing issues that cost businesses absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced output.

According to Karin Mitchelmore, Executive Head of Healthcare Consulting at NMG Benefits, companies can no longer afford to ignore the link between mental health and productivity:

“When employees feel unsupported, they mentally check out long before the end of the workday. Effective Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) give staff access to the right counselling, wellness tools, and resources - creating a healthier, more engaged workforce. This isn’t just about care, it’s about business resilience. Companies that invest in structured mental health support see lower absenteeism, improved morale, and stronger performance.”

If the above is of interest to you and your audience, we’d like to propose an interview opportunity with Karin to further unpack:

• How poor mental health manifests as clockwatching and disengagement.
• The cost of presenteeism and absenteeism on South African businesses.
• Why tailored EAPs are critical to unlocking productivity and reducing long-term costs.
• Practical steps employers can take today to re-engage and support their people.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.