Hong Kong companies are severely lagging on supporting their employees’ mental health – with almost 75% saying they did not have an existing support program for staff – an insurer report has found.
A study conducted by health insurer Aetna, in cooperation with Mind HK, found that aside from lack of support programs, 60% of employers could identify only hospitals as a source of mental health support.
The study was done in commemoration of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated on October 10, and highlighted that there is still a significant stigma regarding mental illnesses in Hong Kong.
More than 40% of survey respondents believe that lack of self-discipline and willpower is one of the main factors for mental illness. Only 29% of Hong Kong residents said they would be open to living with someone with a mental illness. However, around 65% said they would still be friends with someone who develops a mental health issue.
On a more positive note, almost 90% of respondents said that there should be a change in attitude towards mental illness, saying that everyone should be more tolerant towards people with mental illnesses.
“Mental illness is something we should and need to be talking about more,” said Kevin Jones, CEO of Aetna Insurance Hong Kong. “We believe that everyone is equally deserving of affordable and accessible treatment for mental health issues – as well as support from their employers, colleagues, families and friends.”
