New report reveals high levels of stress and its impact on Hong Kong employees
Nearly a quarter of employees in Hong Kong have taken sick leave at work because of mind health issues, according to a new report.
Findings from the AXA Mind Health Report 2025 revealed that 23% of employees in the financial hub had taken sick leave due to mental health issues.
The issue is more pronounced for younger employees, with 40% of Gen Z (18 to 24) and 33% of young millennials (25 to 34) saying they took sick leave because of their mental health.
The rate declines as employees get older, according to the report. For other generations, the share of those who had a mental health-related sick leave was:
The need to file take sick leave comes as the report pointed out that mind health issues affect workers in ways including:
The findings reflect the severe impact of mental health challenges faced by younger employees in the workplace.
In fact, the report found that young millennials (33%) are more likely to experience severe or above-severe levels of depression, anxiety, or stress. They are quickly followed by Gen Z employees, with 31%.
Patrick Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of AXA European Markets & Health, said employers can make a difference by investing in employees' mental health.
"Work environments that promote mind health and support their people with prevention and remediation solutions are far more likely to reduce absenteeism, create team engagement, and retain their talents," Cohen said in a statement.
These mind health issues come as the report pointed out that 60% of employees in Hong Kong are struggling with work-related stress, higher than the global average of 56%.
Another 80% said their mental health is also affected by the following factors:
Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said employees' mental health should not be overlooked as it is a key factor in wellbeing.
According to the report, 70% of Gen Z and 82% of younger millennials said they are expecting their organisations to implement comprehensive mental health policies in the workplace.
"Faced with immense pressure in daily life, the mind health challenges of Hong Kong workers must not be overlooked, particularly the younger generation's ability to cope with stress," Li said in a statement.
