Monday blues: Over 80% of Hong Kong workers skip work due to sleep deprivation, mostly on Mondays

Stress is another major factor prompting employees to skip work.

Having a good night's sleep is not just wishful thinking for many; it's an urgent necessity. A recent survey revealed that more than half of Hong Kong workers are struggling with sleep issues that ultimately affect their professional lives.

Conducted by ESDlife and commissioned by Adrien Gagnon, the Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey interviewed 540 Hong Kong respondents online in May 2025. The findings showed that sleep problems ranked as the top modern-day work-life struggles.

Among the respondents, 64% reported trouble falling asleep, and a significant 81% said they wake up easily. Almost 60% experience both sleep problems simultaneously.

However, 77% said they lack effective methods to address both sleep problems at once.

These sleep challenges have then negatively impacted the work lives of many, with 81% of workers in Hong Kong citing sleep deprivation as a reason for calling in sick.

Stress (64%) is another major factor prompting employees to skip work. The survey found that 91% of respondents are currently dealing with stress from work and life, and 83% reported feeling a sense of helplessness.

Many employees admitted to "calling in sick" just to take a breather, and 82% have considered taking sick leave simply to avoid work. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents reported having at least one impulse to take a "sickie" each month.

In a vicious cycle, the prevalence of stress, in turn, affects people’s sleep quality, as admitted by 87% of the respondents. The survey further indicated the impact of stress on sleep and daily life:

Alarmingly, 76% of respondents felt more stressed this year compared to the previous, yet 40% admitted they are not addressing it and are simply hoping the matter will resolve itself.

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