Photo via Relocate Magazine
In conjunction with World Mental Health Day on October 10th, American human resources consulting firm Mercer has released the findings of its Healthy Minds at Work Assessment.
The Asia-wide survey, which involved 2500 employees, was to help companies assess and address mental well-being in the workplace.
It mainly found that across job functions and countries in Asia, high work demands have emerged as the top reason for stress in the workplace, which has of course, impacted work-life balance.
“The responsibility for creating a positive working environment supportive of employees’ broader emotional well-being lies with employers. Organisations increasingly need to support their employees to strike a healthy work-life balance by putting in place the right policies that elevate mental health and safety on a par with physical health and safety,” said Dr Wolfgang Seidl, Partner and Psychiatrist for Mercer Health & Benefits.
“There is also a need for managers to receive training in identifying the early warning signs of employees requiring support,” he added.
The survey also found that more employees in Asia reported high stress levels since the start of the pandemic.
A pronounced increase in stress levels was also observed in certain demographics and functions (eg. sales, senior management, divorced individuals).
“There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a growing mental toll on employees in Asia and the urgency for companies to prioritize employee mental health has never been greater. Inaction is not an option,” said Liana Attard, Partner, Multinational Client Segment Leader for Mercer in Asia.
However, despite elevated stress levels, employees across the board reflect that they feel well-supported by their managers and teams.
Employers are getting good feedback in the areas of leadership and support, as well as fostering an inclusive work environment.
“The insights from this survey provide valuable indicators and clear action steps to chart new possibilities for mental well-being in the workplace, but is also a reminder that support measures should not be one-size-fits all, given the personal circumstances of each employee,” said Renee McGowan, Mercer’s CEO for Asia.
If you’re facing any mental health difficulties, regardless if it’s work-related, check out our article on options for addressing them here.
