A significant number of employees throughout Asia are facing a growing risk of developing mental health issues, and if these concerns continue to go unaddressed, organizations may suffer financial consequences and a decline in workplace productivity.
The inaugural Aon TELUS Health Asia Mental Health Index report highlights a pressing issue, with 82% of Asian employees falling within the categories of high (35%) to moderate (47%) mental health risk. Stress, anxiety, and burnout were identified as primary drivers behind reduced productivity, with 45% of respondents acknowledging that their mental health is negatively affecting their work.
When compared to the previous year, more than half, or 51% of employees, reported heightened sensitivity to stress this year. Additionally, 33% are struggling to maintain focus on their work, while 47% wrap up their workday feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted.
Several barriers hinder the resolution of mental health issues, including cost, lack of information, and the persistent stigma surrounding mental health concerns. A concerning statistic reveals that 54% of respondents believe their career prospects would stall if their employers were aware of their mental health challenges.
Tim Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer, Health Solutions, Asia Pacific, Aon, emphasized the urgency for organizations to address these issues and establish support structures. Dwyer stated, “Supporting employees’ well-being is essential for organizations to sustain high levels of engagement and productivity, ensuring a measurable return on investment. Consequently, organizations must confront these mental health issues head-on and develop an integrated strategy informed by data and insights.”
The Aon TELUS Health Asia Mental Health Index report gathered insights from 13,000 employees in November 2022 across a range of Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
