87% of Filipinos report work-related mental health issues, exceeding global average
Exploring the challenges faced by the working population, the latest AXA Mind Health Study uncovers a concerning paradox in businesses of all sizes worldwide. Despite evidence indicating work-related mental health issues, most employees don’t perceive work as the main source of their difficulties. In fact, fewer than a quarter attribute their mental health challenges to their jobs, highlighting a significant disconnect from the actual causes of their struggles.
High Levels of Work-related Mental Health Issues in the Philippines
The study determined the consequences of the work environment and asked respondents to assess whether they experience any of the following: tiredness, trouble sleeping, stress and anxiety, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, loss of self-confidence, feeling of worthlessness, and appetite or eating disorders. Local numbers revealed that 87% of Filipino workers experience at least one of these consequences, 11% higher than the global average (76%).
Moreover, half of the Filipino workforce experiences more than four of these consequences and at significantly higher rates than the global numbers (mostly over 10%).
Drawing from firsthand experiences, an employee at a local firm observed that mental health challenges manifest in different forms like sudden mood shifts, moments of zoning out, or appearing lost in thought. “95% of the time there are no noticeable signs, at least for me. I just realized I had an episode after.”
Disengagement and Burnout
The repercussions of poor mental health in the workplace are leading to significant disengagement. 85% of Filipino employees are contemplating stepping back from work, with 68% considering quitting or changing jobs.
Due to their emotional well-being in the workplace, many Filipino workers are disengaging by taking training courses to change jobs (57%), working remotely so they do not have to come to the workplace (54%), or taking sick leave (50%). In particular, 31% have taken sick leave due to mental or psychological health issues.
Burnout is another critical issue, with 33% of respondents experiencing it in the past year, well above the global average of 20%. Alarmingly, only 22% of those who experienced burnout sought help from healthcare professionals, highlighting a gap in mental health support.
Employee Satisfaction Towards Company Support
On a positive note, Filipino employees are more likely to seek support from their managers compared to their global counterparts (64% vs. 46%). Furthermore, 71% feel that their companies are taking action to care for their mental health, compared to 57% globally. Satisfaction with company support during personal difficulties is also relatively high at 68%, though it drops to 58% for those experiencing burnout.
Given the variety of mind health problems and difficulties encountered in the workplace, businesses should have a diverse range of solutions on their radar to meet everyone’s needs. Part of the findings of the report is to establish a better understanding of how they can take action. It determined several key initiatives straight from the respondents. For example, Filipino employees expect their employers to provide mental health workshops and seminars (49%), access to external consultation services (43%), and designated mental health days (38%). Notably, Filipino workers show a stronger preference for mental health education compared to the global average (49% vs. 36%).
The Path Forward for Employers
The AXA Mind Health Report underscores the importance of employers raising awareness about mental health, identifying early signs of distress, and promoting help-seeking behaviors. By adopting a holistic approach to mental well-being that considers both personal and professional factors, companies can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and foster a supportive work environment.
“Prioritizing the health of employees and recognizing how critical it is to ensure they maintain a positive state of being in and out of the workplace is a business imperative. I always believe that at the center of every business is their people. And we can’t be fully achieving success without empowering this core. As Patrick Cohen, CEO of AXA Europe and Health, puts it: when people’s mind health improves, they flourish, and in turn, so do our businesses and economy,” said Sharon Hernandez, Chief Human Resources Officer of AXA Philippines.
At AXA Philippines, employee-centric initiatives designed to promote wellness are being led aside from having basic health benefits. This includes the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an online counseling platform to give employees direct access to a mental health professional. Employees can also choose to join clubs and workshops of various interests such as mountaineering, football, dance, and singing, among others.
Achieving work-life balance is also crucial for employees to succeed in all aspects of their lives. AXA’s policies and programs allow them to juggle their personal and professional responsibilities effectively, ensuring they can pursue their goals without compromising their well-being. The company also takes the time to provide opportunities for its people to come together and offer their time and skills to champion various social impact initiatives through AXA Week for Good as well as enhance their capabilities and pursue further success through expert-led talks and training sessions during AXA Week for Growth.
For more information about AXA Philippines’ commitment to holistic well-being for all, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.
This article is brought to you by AXA Philippines.
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