Younger generation confronts critical mind health challenges,
necessitating enhanced workplace support
HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Work-related factors exert a greater influence on the mind health of Hong Kong’s workforce compared to the global average, according to the latest findings from the AXA Mind Health Report 2025 (“the Study”). Among the affected demographics, young millennials (aged 25-34) and Gen Z (aged 18-24) face the most severe mind health challenges. They experience higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression and take sick leave more frequently due to mind health-related issues. Notably, this young generation experienced disproportionately higher rates of mental health problems compared to older generations, prompting corporations to enhance their mind health strategies.
The annual Study, which evaluates mind health[1] and wellbeing globally, presents a concerning picture of Hong Kong’s workforce grappling with elevated stress levels and mind health challenges. 80% of the working population in Hong Kong cited multiple factors affecting their mind wellbeing, including uncertainty about the future in a rapidly changing world (58%), financial instability and job insecurity (58%), difficulty achieving a healthy work-life balance (53%), loneliness and social isolation (45%). Notably, work-related stress (60%) is particularly acute in Hong Kong—higher than the global average (56%).
Four in 10 Gen Z take sick leave due to mind health issues
The overwhelming pressure at work has become an invisible burden, impacting both mind and physical well-being. A staggering 84% of the working population indicated that work-related stress interferes with their daily lives, citing issues such as sleep disturbances (36%), decreased motivation (33%), physical symptoms (such as headaches and muscle tension) (26%), mood swings or irritability (25%), difficulties in concentrating (22%), and changes in appetite (19%).
The Study found that 23% of working population had taken sick leave due to mind health issues. This trend was particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 40% of Gen Z (aged 18–24) having done so — the highest among all age groups. The rate declines noticeably with age: 33% of young millennials (25–34), 26% of older millennials (35–44), and just 20% of those aged 45–54 — only half the rate of Gen Z. These figures highlight the more widespread and severe mind health challenges faced by younger members of the workforce.
Mind health issues most severe among young millennials and Gen Z
The Study has also revealed that 20% of the respondents potentially experience severe or more extreme impacts. Among these, young millennials reported the highest rate (33%) of severe or above-severe levels of depression, anxiety, or stress, closely followed by Gen Z (31%). The impact was comparatively lower among older age groups: 23% in the 35–44 age range and 18% among those aged 45–54.
Y ounger g eneration m ore i nclined to u se AI for m anaging mind health
With the growing prevalence of technology, 29% of respondents report using mind health applications or services to manage their well-being. The tools they are most interested in include AI-driven sleep tracking apps (66%), digital journaling (60%), mindfulness and meditation apps (59%), and AI-powered virtual therapist chatbots (57%). Usage rates show significant generational differences: Gen Z has the highest adoption rate (46%), followed by younger millennials (41%). In contrast, only 15% of respondents aged 55 and above use AI for mind health management, highlighting the greater popularity of digital mind health tools among younger generations.
Younger generations expect greater support for mind health from employers
Notably, around 60% of working individuals expect companies to implement more comprehensive mind health workplace policies. This demand is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 70% of Gen Z and 82% of younger millennials expressing such expectations. These findings underscore the current inadequacy of mind health support in many workplaces and the heightened importance younger generations place on employer-provided mind health resources.
Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said “Mind health is a key factor in overall personal wellbeing. 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. AXA is committed to helping businesses improve employees’ mind health and wellbeing 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.”
In light of the study insights, AXA has launched the mind health self-check, a digital tool to help users identify their strengths and areas of potential improvement for effective management of their mental well-being. The Self-check aims to educate and help individuals assess, understand, and improve their mental well-being. In addition, AXA is developing a corporate version to support employers to better understand the mind health status of the workforce – unlocking insights to develop personalized mind health initiatives.
Find out more about AXA Mind Health Self-check: https://mindhealthselfcheck.axa.com/
Furthermore, in order to encourage the public to share more about their struggles with those around them, AXA has collaborated with Hartbeat to produce a documentary titled “Group Therapy.” Through 90 minutes of sincere conversation, this film aims to encourage individuals to openly discuss mind health issues and proactively confide in those in their vicinity.
Emily Li, Chief Employee Benefits and Wellness Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, attended the media luncheon for the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2025, where she shared the findings and her insights.
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[1] The report uses the term mind health rather than mental health to emphasise the positive objective of the study which is to help break down the stigma still associated with mental illness. |
About AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing (AXA Mind Health Study)
The AXA Mind Health Study is an annual assessment of mind health and wellbeing worldwide, aimed at evaluating the current state of mind health globally. It provides individuals and businesses with the insights and advice necessary to foster positive mind health.
The AXA Mind Health Study 2025 was conducted in collaboration with IPSOS between 8 October and 11 November 2024 by means of an online survey among a total of 17,000 respondents aged between 18 and 75 years old across 16 countries and regions, namely France, the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, the US, Mexico, mainland China and Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines.
In Hong Kong, a total of 1,000 working individuals aged between 18 and 75 years were surveyed, including 815 individuals in full-time, part-time, or self-employment.
About AXA Hong Kong and Macau
AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.
As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers’ needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.
We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles – as an investor, insurer and an exemplary company.
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