A majority of workers in Asia (82%) have a high (35%) to moderate (47%) mental health risk, which highlights a growing concern about workplace wellbeing in Asia, according to the inaugural Aon Telus Health Asia Mental Health Index report, which explores workplace mental health and the impact on productivity across 12 countries in Asia.

The report found that the strong likelihood of workers developing a mental issue – 30% of those who reported being high-risk and 7% with moderate risk - means an increased risk of lower productivity and financial risk for organisations.

Key findings on workplace productivity showed that 45% of respondents across the region report that their mental health negatively impacts their work. While stress, anxiety and burnout are on the rise.

At the same time, 51% of employees reported feeling more sensitive to stress this year than last year. 45% of them believe their colleagues are showing more signs of stress this year. Furthermore, 43% of workers are currently finding it difficult to concentrate on their work. At the same time, 47% reported ending their day feeling mentally or physically exhausted.

According to the report, managing growing work, home and social pressures, stigma surrounding mental health, and the impact of the Covid -19 pandemic have contributed to mental health deterioration. Public and self-stigma is an overwhelming problem for workplaces and society across Asia.

The report revealed that 54% of employees believe their career options would be limited if their employer knew they had a mental health issue, 49% said they would worry that friends and family would treat them differently, and 49% reported feeling negatively about themselves.

Tim Dwyer, CEO of Health Solutions, Asia Pacific, Aon, said, "Supporting employees' wellbeing is necessary for organisations to maintain high levels of engagement and productivity to deliver measurable return on investment. Lack of support and the stigma attached to mental health issues are key barriers on why employee mental health issues remain unresolved. Organisations must therefore address these issues head-on while developing an integrated strategy informed by data and insights."

Meanwhile, 43% of respondents cited cost as the number one barrier to obtaining mental health support. Lack of information and knowledge of where to get help also ranked high among respondents, with nearly one-third not knowing what care they need or where to go. This group also rated stigma in their top four responses about barriers to getting support and reported that they were concerned about what others would think of them for having a mental health issue.

Jamie MacLennan, managing director of APAC, Telus Health, said, "Many businesses are still not taking the mental health of their staff seriously and when not addressed and supported will lead to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism and presenteeism. Addressing the mental health and wellbeing of staff is no longer a 'nice to have',  rather, it is a commercial imperative."

Aon and Telus Health conducted an online survey of 13,000 people living across China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.