How stressed are Hong Kong employees?

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The majority of the working population in the city suffers from multiple work-related mental health problems, with 82% having contemplated disengaging from work as a coping mechanism.

Hong Kong's workforce is grappling with high stress levels and mental health challenges, with over three-quarters (77%) having experienced at least one mind health issue stemming from their jobs, according to the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2024.

The study surveyed a total of 16,000 respondents aged between 18 to 75 years old across 16 European, American and Asian regions between 15 November and 11 December 2023 through online surveys and online interviews. In Hong Kong, a total of 769 working individuals aged 18 and above were surveyed.

The findings showed that almost half (49%) of Hong Kong's workforce reported suffering from burnout, more than double from the previous year (2023: 22%).

Moreover, a significant portion of employees experienced excessive tiredness and energy loss (61%), uncontrollable stress and anxiety (52%), difficulties in concentrating or making decisions (51%), sleep disturbances (49%), and eating disorders (39%).

Due to high stress and poor mind health, 82% have contemplated disengaging from work in some capacity as a coping mechanism, with nearly half (48%) taking sick leave due to mind health reasons, 41% planning to work from home to avoid engaging with colleagues, and 38% seeking job changes through internal transfers, while another 35% are already planning to leave their jobs.

Alarmingly, only 16% sought professional help.

In the face of mental health challenges, over half (53%) of the workforce expressed a desire for improved company response after reporting burnout.

Additionally, nearly two-thirds (63%) believed that mind health benefits and initiatives are crucial in their decision to stay at their workplace.

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