Asian Gen Zs are Facing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace – Study

July 7, 2023

Asian Gen Zs are Facing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace - StudyIn recent years, there has been a growing concern about the rise in mental health problems among young people. While mental health issues have always existed, there is indication that their prevalence and awareness have increased among young people.

Several factors contribute to the rise in mental health issues among young people, including academic pressure; self-image, particularly as perpetuated on social media, which fosters the constant need for validation; economic uncertainty, particularly with contracting purchasing power and job insecurity; and increased awareness and reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues, which has resulted in more young people seeking help. These variables, however, can differ among cultures, countries, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Survey: Majority of Gen Zs in Asia are “experiencing poor mental health”

A recent study by France-based insurance company Axa, Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing, which surveyed 30,000 respondents across east Asia, Europe, and the Americas, revealed the scope of mental health issues, particularly among GenZ respondents, and how these issues are affecting an important aspect of their lives – work and career.

Despite this finding, it has been shown that the generation could “work well under stress”. Asia-based Gen Z workers are dealing with a variety of stressors that are affecting their mental health and work well-being, including uncertainty about the future (69%), a sense that their skills and job don’t match (56%), and difficulty keeping up with “the pace of change at work” (47%), despite the fact that 42% believe they can be relied on to do their best work.

The AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023 polled 30,000 people in 16 countries and territories across Europe, Asia, and the Americas in September, October, and November 2022.

Aside from that, Gen Zs appear to have a stronger ability to work under stress, but they are also the most likely to resign.  In Asia, less than half of working Gen Z (44%) believe they have job skills.  According to the study, job-skill fit has a very significant association with mental wellbeing, and individuals who have the correct job skill fit are 2.5 times more likely to perform at their best.

Despite this, a bigger proportion of Gen Z (42%) in Asia believe that they can be relied on to achieve their best when compared to other age groups. Employers should be concerned, though, because Gen Z in Asia has the highest rate of employees who are likely to resign in the next 12 months (21%). Those in Gen Z who are doing well, on the other hand, are less inclined to resign, with a rate of only 16%. This emphasizes the need of positively encouraging positive mental health in employee retention.

When compared to the global average (1% YoY growth), Asia experienced the greatest increase (3% YoY) in those prospering. There is also a reported drop in stigma associated with mental health, with 36% of respondents globally strongly agreeing or agreeing stigma associated with mental health is reducing, compared to 31% last year. Overall, people in Asia are becoming more mentally healthy, with more flourishing (from 19% last year to 22% this year) and fewer struggling (from 14% last year to 12% this year).

Workplace mental health support is critical to overall mental health. Employers can make a significant contribution to mental health. According to Axa, organizations who give mental health care are 2.5 times more likely to have flourishing employees in Asia. Mind health support at the workplace has the largest impact on Gen Zs’ mental health.

9 tips to managing mental health in the workplace

Dealing with mental health issues is not easy, and especially if they are impacting one’s daily functioning. Nevertheless, there are strategies to cope and are worth trying out to deal with these challenges effectively.

. Self-awareness is essential for recognizing and comprehending your own mental health needs. Be aware of your emotions, stress levels, and triggers. Recognize signs of burnout, anxiety, or despair, and get help when necessary.

. Be open about discussing mental health with trustworthy colleagues, managers, or human resources personnel. Communicate your needs, concerns, and constraints. This can help to foster a positive work atmosphere and inspire others to understand and empathize with you.

. Make use of the resources at your disposal. Staff programs are available at many companies and provide counseling and support services. If these perks are available, take use of them. Consider seeking treatment or counseling from mental health providers outside of the workplace.

. Make self-care a priority in order to maintain your mental health. Exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones are all things that might help you relax and rejuvenate. To avoid burnout, set boundaries between work and personal life.

. Manage your time and workload effectively to reduce stress. Set realistic goals, prioritize chores, and break them down into smaller, doable steps. When feasible, delegate jobs and discuss with your supervisor about your workload if it becomes too much.

. It may sound cliche, but it is important that you aim for a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries. Disconnect from work during non-work hours and take regular rest and recharge breaks throughout the day. Engage in activities that bring you joy and contentment outside of work.

. Invest in your own personal and professional growth. Seek for possibilities for learning, skill development, and advancement in your field. This can boost your workplace confidence, satisfaction, and overall well-being.

. Assist fellow Gen Zs who are in the same situation as you. Helping others is also gratifying. Promote mental health awareness and support in your workplace. Share your experiences and suggestions with management or HR to help drive positive changes and build a more mentally healthy work environment for all employees.

. Consider obtaining professional help from a mental health specialist if your mental health difficulties persist or worsen.

Tags: ,

Category: Education

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to HCA for exclusive updates

Top Viewed News

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

Now that the world has returned to normalcy following the pandemic, everyone is back to their daily routines and encounters with stress... Read More

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

As we strive to be the hospital of choice, why not refine our commitment to excellence beyond the pivotal mission of saving lives?... Read More

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Malaysian researchers at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) have published... Read More

 Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thus subjective; but in some countries, the ideal of beauty begins... Read More

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

In moments of illness, the presence of loved ones can comfort and support. However, it’s important for visitors... Read More

Free counters!

2025 Exhibitions



2025 Events


8-11 May
Vietnam Medi-Pharm
MITEC, KL
www.vietnammedipharm.vn


21-22 May
HealthTechX Asia
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
www.healthtechx-asia.com


5-7 June
Medical Taiwan
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei, Taiwan
www.medicaltaiwan.com.tw


9-11 June
APHM International Healthcare Conference & Exhibition
KL Convention Centere, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.aphmconferences.com


12-14 June
International Health Industry Expo
China
www.ihe-china.com


24-26 June
CPhI China
SNIEC, Shanghai, China
www.cphi.com


25-26 June
Health Facilities Asia
Singapore
www.www.iqpc.com


25-27 June
Japan Health
INTEX Osaka, Japan
www.japanhealthonline.com


26-27 June
OSH India South
Chennai Trade Center, Bangalore
www.oshindia.com


9-11 July
Medical Device Development (MEDIX) – Osaka
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.manufacturing-world.jp


14-16 July
Lab Asia
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia
www.lab-asia.com


16-18 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur
www.medlabasia.com


13-15 August
Philippines Medical
SMX Convention Center Manila Philippines
www.philmedical.com


21-23 August
REHACARE China
Suzhou, China
www.rehacare-c.com


21-23 August
Medical Fair China
Suzhou, China
www.medicalfair.cn


3-5 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


9-12 September
China Dental Show
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
www.chinadentalshow.com


10-11 September
Hospital Management Asia
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.hospitalmanagementasia.com


10-12 September
Medical Fair Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.medicalfair-thailand.com


10-12 September
Malaysia Pharma and Healthcare Expo
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.mphcexpo.com


11-13 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


24-26 September
Medtec China
Shanghai, China
www.en.medtecchina.com


9-11 October
Medical Japan Tokyo
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.medical-jpn.jp


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


7-8 November
Eldercare Exhibition and Conference Asia (ELDEX Asia)
Suntex Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre
www.eldexasia.com


10-12 November
Saudi International Pharma Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudipharmaexpo.com


10-12 November
Saudi International MedLab Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudimedlabexpo.com


27-29 November
International Wellness Expo (IWE 2025)
METIC, Malaysia
www.internationalwellnessexpo.com


2026 Events


9-12 Febuary
Arab Health
Dubai World Trade Centre
www.arabhealthonline.com


15-17 April
Lab Indonesia
Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
www.lab-indo.com


9-11 September
Medical Fair Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medicalfair-asia.com


9-11 September
Medical Manufacturing Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medmanufacturing-asia.com