A majority of employees in Hong Kong are reporting higher levels of stress than the global average, with younger generations showing the most significant signs of mental health strain, according to the AXA Mind Health Report 2025.
The study underscored that job-related pressures, financial concerns, and uncertainty about the future are key factors influencing employee well-being in the city.
Among working respondents, 80% pointed to several contributors to poor mental health, including economic instability and job insecurity (58%), challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance (53%), and feelings of loneliness (45%).
Work-related stress, cited by 60% of participants, exceeded the global benchmark of 56%.
The mental health impact is particularly stark among those aged 18 to 34. AXA’s report found that 40% of Gen Z workers (aged 18 to 24) and 33% of younger millennials (aged 25 to 34) had taken mental health-related leave. This trend declined with age, dropping to 26% for those 35-44 and 20% for employees aged 45-54.
Additionally, severe or extreme symptoms of stress, depression, or anxiety were reported by 33% of younger millennials and 31% of Gen Z, compared with 23% in the 35-to-44 age group and 18% among 45-to-54-year-olds.
Daily impacts cited included: trouble sleeping (36%), low motivation (33%), physical complaints such as headaches (26%), and concentration difficulties (22%).
The growing availability of digital solutions has influenced how employees manage mental health.
Nearly 30% of AXA’s survey participants said they use mental health apps. AI-driven platforms for sleep tracking, journaling, mindfulness, and virtual therapy were especially popular with Gen Z (46%) and younger millennials (41%), while older respondents showed less engagement with these tools.
In terms of employer responsibility, expectations have shifted. About 60% of respondents said they expect companies to invest more in mental health initiatives. For younger workers, this expectation was higher, with 70% of Gen Z and 82% of younger millennials wanting stronger support.
AXA Hong Kong and Macau’s chief employee benefits and wellness officer, Emily Li (pictured), said the ability of young employees to handle rising pressures was becoming a key area of concern.
“Mind health is a key factor in overall personal well-being. 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,” she said.
Separately, Aon’s Human Capital Employee Sentiment Study highlighted dissatisfaction among Hong Kong workers around compensation and professional growth.
The global survey, which included input from over 9,000 employees across 23 countries, reported that 63% of Hong Kong workers are considering leaving their jobs within a year.
Undervaluation and stagnant compensation were key drivers, with 60% of Hong Kong participants believing their pay was below industry norms – well above the global average of 37%. Another 35% doubted their employer’s commitment to upskilling initiatives.
Healthcare and leave benefits remain top priorities. Respondents ranked paid time off, medical insurance, work-life balance programs, and retirement savings among their most valued benefits. Nearly 60% expressed interest in customising their benefits packages to suit personal needs.
AXA has introduced a digital mind health self-assessment tool and is developing a corporate version to help employers track workforce mental well-being and create targeted initiatives.
“AXA is committed to helping businesses improve employees’ mind health and well-being while actively developing new mind health products and services, aiming to provide more comprehensive and appropriate support solutions for society as a whole, catering to the diverse mind health needs across different generations,” Li said.
