A recent study conducted by insurance broker Aon and TELUS Health has illuminated concerning statistics regarding the mental health of employees across Asia. The findings indicate that a significant majority of workers in the region, approximately 82%, are currently grappling with moderate to high levels of mental health risk. The study, which surveyed 13,000 employees in 12 different Asian locations during November 2022, underscores the magnitude of mental health challenges faced by the workforce.
Breaking down the figures further, the study reveals that 35% of Asian employees have been identified as possessing a high mental health risk profile, while an additional 47% are categorized as having a moderate risk. This reveals a profound prevalence of mental health concerns within the Asian workforce.
Moreover, the survey unearthed the fact that 51% of the respondents reported heightened sensitivity to stress in comparison to the previous year, 2021. This suggests a worsening mental health landscape despite the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jamie MacLennan, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at TELUS Health, commented on the findings, stating, “While the pandemic may have been drawing to a close in 2022, employees across Asia have been exposed to a number of new stressors. That includes economic uncertainty, cost-of-living challenges, rising healthcare costs, climate change impacts, and geopolitical instability.”
Among the Asian nations surveyed, South Korea leads with 44% of employees categorized as high-risk individuals, closely followed by Malaysia with 42% and Japan with 41%.
The report’s overarching message is clear: mental or emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety, are prevalent among employees at all levels and across various industries and locations throughout Asia. These findings underscore the pressing need for robust mental health support and initiatives in the workplace to address the concerning mental health crisis affecting the Asian workforce.
