Employees in Asia are under ‘significant mental health stress’, with 82% at moderate or high risk of mental health problems
According to a new report from insurers Aon and Telus Health, 35% of employees in Asia are at high mental health risk and 47% are at moderate risk. The survey, conducted in November 2022 among 13,000 employees across 12 jobs in Asia, found that 51% were more sensitive to stress compared to 2021.
“Although the pandemic will be over in 2022, workers across Asia are facing many new pressures,” said Jamie McLennan, senior vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific, Telus Health. “This includes economic uncertainty.” Cost Challenges Living, increased medical expenses, impacts of climate change and geopolitical instability.”
The report added that South Korea, Malaysia and Japan had the highest percentage of employees at risk, at 44%, 42% and 41%, respectively. “Mental or emotional problems including depression and anxiety are widespread among employees at all levels, in all industries and geographies studied across Asia.
Asia is at risk of underperformance. Major anxiety and depression NEW YORK – In 2008, Asia’s productivity rate was 47.2 out of 100, compared with 66.7 in the United States and 60.1 in Europe.
“These numbers are driven by a number of factors,” McLennan explains. It starts with the fact that Asia has a much higher level of stigma associated with mental health.
The report also found that 45% of employees in Asia believe their mental health affects their productivity at work, with seven countries reporting above average impacts. Including Malaysia, India and the Philippines.
Organizations that do not implement support structures or choose to ignore the impact of mental health in the workplace “will realize that there are significant costs to inaction,” said Tim Dwyer, CEO, Health Solutions, Aon Asia Pacific, adding that “supporting employee wellbeing is essential.” For institutions. To maintain high levels of engagement and productivity to achieve a measurable return on investment.
The report also points out that apart from stress anxiety and burnout is an important factor affecting employee performance. Financial instability goes hand in hand with higher mental health risks. Especially in today’s economic environment. Employees are struggling with high costs and spending constraints.
“Financial well-being is closely linked to many things. This makes life enjoyable and meaningful. Both now and throughout the journey to retirement.”
According to the survey, employees in Asia are exposed to higher financial risks than their global counterparts, with about one in three not having emergency savings. They say their financial wellbeing has a huge impact on their mental health, and found that those without emergency savings are up to 60% more likely to have problems concentrating at work than those with emergency savings.
The countries with the highest percentage of employees without emergency savings are the Philippines, Malaysia, and China at 48%, 42%, and 39%, respectively.