In Hong Kong, a troubling trend in workplace mental health has emerged, with a significant portion of the workforce reporting stress, burnout, and a desire to disengage from their jobs, according to the 2024 AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing.
An overwhelming 77% of employees face mental health challenges due to their work environment, and 82% have considered distancing themselves from work-related activities as a coping mechanism.
Moreover, the study highlights a sharp increase in burnout, with 49% of workers experiencing this condition, up from 22% the previous year. Employees also reported a range of other mental health issues including excessive tiredness (61%), uncontrollable stress and anxiety (52%), difficulties in concentration (51%), sleep disturbances (49%), and eating disorders (39%).
These issues have not only affected personal well-being but have also had a profound impact on productivity and workplace engagement. Nearly half of the affected employees (48%) have taken sick leave for mental health reasons, while others have shifted to working from home (41%) or sought different positions within their companies (38%) to manage their mental health better. Additionally, 35% of workers are contemplating leaving their jobs due to these challenges.
The survey also points to a gap in employer support for mental health. While 53% of respondents called for better responses to burnout from their companies, 63% indicated that mental health benefits are a critical factor in their decision to remain with their current employer.
"It is concerning to observe that almost every person in the workforce experiences some degree of mental health issues. AXA has long advocated for mental health awareness, and now we are taking the next step–to provide solutions and treatments for individuals to take action,” said Emily Li, chief employee benefits and wellness officer at AXA Hong Kong and Macau.
Since 2021, AXA has been actively expanding mental health resources in Hong Kong, pioneering the first "mind health network" and introducing a range of services from daily online meditation sessions to virtual psychology counseling, aiming to support a healthier, more engaged workforce.
