AXA leads way in tackling workplace mental health challenges
- AXA’s latest Mind Health Study reveals that nearly half of the Hong Kong workforce reported suffering from burnout
- In response, AXA Hong Kong has developed the first “mind health network” in Hong Kong since 2021, supporting customers in building up resilience and practicing mindfulness
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In a world where mental health increasingly dictates the quality of our personal and professional lives, the latest findings from the fourth edition of AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2024 (“the Study”) are particularly alarming.
Conducted in collaboration with IPSOS, the Study reveals that 82% have contemplated disengaging from work in some capacity as a coping mechanism, underscoring an urgent need for effective solutions.
This is particularly true in Hong Kong, where AXA is taking significant strides to address these challenges within the workforce.
The study surveyed 769 respondents in Hong Kong, focusing on the working population. It found that 75% of employees experience multiple mental health issues due to their work environment, with 48% having been taken sick leave due to these mental health challenges.
AXA’s proactive response to these disturbing findings comes at a crucial time. In Hong Kong, where a culture of long hours and high stress prevails, AXA’s initiatives stand out as a source of support for many.
The insurer is actively developing new mental health offerings and services to foster resilience among its customer and individuals in Hong Kong, such as mental health network for its Employee Benefits customers, including online and on-site counselling services, seminars and activities featuring invited psychologists, employee mental health surveys for companies, customised plans for individual clients and referrals for employees on long-term sick leave to medical treatment.
The importance of these initiatives cannot be overstated. According to the study, 82% of the working population have planned at least one act of disengagement at work to cope with stress, and almost half have taken sick leave for mental health reasons.
In addition, a shocking 49% reported suffering from burnout last year, a significant increase from 22% the previous year. Yet only one-third sought professional help.
These statistics paint a clear picture: while awareness of mental health issues is relatively high, action to address them is not.
Many employees remain dissatisfied with their company's response when they report burnout, with 27% expressing dissatisfaction and nearly two-thirds saying that mental health benefits and initiatives are critical to their decision to stay at work.
“It is concerning to observe that almost every person in workforce experiences some degree of mental health issues.” said Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer at AXA Hong Kong and Macau.
“AXA has long advocated for mental health awareness, and now we are taking the next step – to provide solutions and treatments for individuals to take action.”
AXA’s comprehensive approach includes providing clients and their employees with access to a network of highly qualified professionals, including general practitioners with a background in psychology, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.
Beyond protection, AXA supports organisations with ongoing mental health education and tailored training, encouraging them to create a supportive environment.
The company's proactive stance is also reflected in the development of the Mind Healer and Mind Charger services, which are part of the ‘Emma by AXA’ app.
These tools help customers build resilience and practice mindfulness and are part of a broader strategy to create a 'mindfulness safety net' of support for customers and their employees.
As mental health issues continue to rise globally, particularly in high-pressure environments such as Hong Kong, AXA’s initiatives offer a glimmer of hope.
By emphasising mental wellness, raising awareness and developing accessible support, AXA is improving individual wellbeing and setting industry standards.
This transformation of Hong Kong’s workplaces into places where mental health is a priority to improve employee satisfaction and the overall health of the city, demonstrating the benefits of proactive investment in mental health.