Employees in Hong Kong are experiencing higher stress levels than the global average, with young workers most affected, according to AXA’s 2025 Mind Health Report.
The report found that job pressure, financial worries, and uncertainty about the future are the main reasons behind declining mental health in the city. Among working respondents, 80% cited multiple factors harming their mental well-being. These included economic instability and job insecurity (58%), poor work-life balance (53%), and loneliness (45%).
Work-related stress was a major issue, with 60% of respondents reporting it—a figure above the global average of 56%.
Younger Employees Struggle the Most
Mental health challenges were most severe among workers aged 18 to 34. The report showed that 40% of Gen Z workers (18–24 years old) and 33% of younger millennials (25–34 years old) had taken mental health leave. These numbers dropped to 26% for those aged 35–44 and 20% for workers aged 45–54.
Severe symptoms such as stress, depression, and anxiety were also more common among younger groups. These symptoms were reported by 33% of younger millennials and 31% of Gen Z, compared with 23% of those aged 35–44 and 18% of those aged 45–54.
Common daily impacts included trouble sleeping (36%), low motivation (33%), physical symptoms like headaches (26%), and trouble focusing (22%).
Rise of Digital Tools and Changing Expectations
Many employees are turning to digital tools to manage their mental health. About 30% of respondents said they use mental health apps. AI-based tools for sleep tracking, journaling, mindfulness, and virtual therapy were especially popular among Gen Z (46%) and younger millennials (41%).
Expectations around employer support are also shifting. Around 60% of all respondents said they want companies to invest more in mental health. That number rises to 70% for Gen Z and 82% for younger millennials.
Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer at AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said the growing stress on young employees is a serious concern.
“Mind health is essential to overall well-being,” Li said. “With rising daily pressure, we must pay close attention to how the younger generation copes with stress.”
Broader Workforce Issues
A separate study by Aon highlighted more concerns among Hong Kong workers, especially around pay and career growth.
The survey, which included over 9,000 employees from 23 countries, found that 63% of workers in Hong Kong are thinking about quitting their jobs within the next year.
Reasons included feeling underpaid and undervalued. About 60% of Hong Kong respondents believed their salaries were below industry standards, compared to 37% globally. Additionally, 35% said their employers were not committed to helping them develop new skills.
Benefits such as paid time off, medical insurance, work-life balance programs, and retirement savings were top priorities. Nearly 60% of respondents wanted to customize their benefits to better meet personal needs.
AXA’s Mental Health Initiative
To help address these issues, AXA has launched a digital mind health self-assessment tool. A corporate version is also being developed to help employers track mental well-being across their teams and create better support systems.
“AXA is dedicated to helping businesses improve mind health and well-being,” Li said. “We’re working on new products and services to support the mental health needs of all generations.”
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