Mental health begins with each of us – and its impact reaches far beyond
People who feel stressed often struggle to reach their full potential. This has consequences for their quality of life, performance and personal development. At the same time, the mental well-being of each individual also influences teamwork, corporate culture and ultimately society as a whole. Promoting mental health in the workplace is an investment in the future of the company. A healthy and supportive working environment not only promotes the well-being of employees, but also increases their performance at work, productivity and innovative strength. The figures speak for themselves: according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) in September 2025, over a billion people worldwide have a mental illness – that is 14 percent of the global population . This makes mental illness one of the biggest global health problems.
Leadership as a driving force for change
The aim of the global Mental Health Campaign 2025 is to actively promote the physical and psychosocial well-being of employees. In order to achieve this, PALFINGER is focusing on dialogue, education and awareness.
Video messages from the Executive Board and targeted campaigns are used to strengthen an environment for open dialogue. A particular focus is placed on raising awareness and training managers, who play a crucial role in creating a healthy working environment. In addition, a global framework has been created to enable local case management for rapid, specific support where it is needed.
Think globally, act locally
A dedicated space on the topic of mental health, including accessible support services and local contact options, was created within the intranet. Individual locations were also encouraged to establish special mental health committees to define and implement appropriate and meaningful measures for their specific needs. In Lengau, workshops for apprentices and training personnel were held for the first time in July. In Latin America, free psychological counselling during working hours, as well as social worker and nutritional counselling, were offered. Regular seminars and training courses complete the global program. These measures are already showing impact: since July 2025, over 400 employees have already participated in training programs such as workshops, webinars and seminars.
Fostering mental health: a marathon, not a sprint
“Promoting well-being is not a stand-alone event, but a long-term process”, says Maria Koller. “It requires many small steps and consistent visibility. That is why we are continuing this program in 2026 – with new, practical measures.”
These include a “first aid course for the soul”, where participants spend twelve hours learning specific skills for dealing with mental stress. The first aid courses are also being implemented online in the USA and will be offered again in November 2025, following positive feedback. The courses on offer also include a mindfulness day for all employees in Austria – to strengthen resilience and self-awareness in everyday working life. PALFINGER invites all employees to be part of this movement – for increased mental resilience in day-to-day work.
