A global study on workplace mental health across 12 Asian countries reveals alarming statistics. A staggering 82% of employees surveyed are at a moderate to high risk of developing mental health issues, according to the inaugural Aon TELUS Health Asia Mental Health Index report. The research aims to better understand employees’ mental health risks, help corporations manage these risks, and increase resilience within the workforce.
The comprehensive study presented that 47% of the participants have a moderate risk and 35% have a high risk of mental health problems. Furthermore, the report highlighted that 54% of the respondents believe their career options would be restricted if their employers had knowledge about their mental health conditions.
The findings indicated that mental health is negatively affecting workplace productivity for 45% of employees. Increased stress levels, anxiety, burnout, and increased sensitivity to stress from the previous year have been reported by 51% of the participants.
In addition, 45% of employees note that their colleagues display more signs of stress. With one-third of workers struggling with concentration and 47% ending their days feeling mentally or physically tired, the survey suggests that Asian employees are dealing with multiple pressures from work, home, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These findings also call attention to the societal and self-stigma associated with mental health in Asia. Over half of the employees fear that having a mental health condition might hinder their career progress. Likewise, 49% worry about being treated differently by their families and friends, while an equal percentage feel negative about themselves due to their mental health status.
“These statistics highlight a significant issue. Organizations that neglect the impact of mental health in their workplace will realize there is a substantial cost in doing nothing,” warns Tim Dwyer, CEO of Health Solutions, Asia Pacific, Aon. By supporting employees’ wellbeing, organizations can maintain high levels of engagement and productivity.
However, a number of factors make it difficult for employees to seek support. Cost, lack of accessible information, and the stigma attached to mental health are among the top barriers preventing employees from reaching out.
The study outlines an urgent need for effective intervention and support systems to mitigate the detrimental consequences of poor mental health, like absenteeism, productivity loss, and talent attrition.
As Jamie MacLennan, managing director of APAC at TELUS Health, points out: “Addressing the mental health and wellbeing of staff is no longer a ‘nice to have’; rather, it is a commercial imperative.”
The study has underscored the urgent need to prioritize mental health across organizations in Asia for..
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The Economic Times Article_