Nearly Half of Employees in Asia Face High Mental Health Risks - Naluri

Naluri's latest report, 2024 State of Employee Mental Health in Asia: Generational Insights for HR Leaders, offers an in-depth analysis of the mental health challenges faced by different generations in the workplace. With data gathered from over 12,000 full-time employees across seven Asian countries—Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Hong Kong—this report uncovers key trends shaping employee mental health and provides actionable strategies for HR leaders. 

Our findings reveal that nearly half (49%) of full-time employees in Asia are at high risk of mental health challenges. While this marks a slight improvement from 2023, the figure remains gravely concerning.

Other key findings 

• Generation: 61% of Gen Z employees face high mental health risks, but millennials and Gen X also face unique challenges.
• Gender: Female employees face greater risk at 51% compared to male employees (39%).
• Industry: The tech sector has the highest mental health risk at 42%, followed by insurance (34%), agriculture and healthcare (28% each), and retail (25%).

Regional insights

• The Philippines faced the most significant mental health challenges in 2024, with 61% of full-time employees at high risk.
• Indonesia and Thailand have made the most progress in reducing employee mental health risks, both achieving a 13% decrease since 2023.
• Vietnam is the only country experiencing a rise in mental health risk in the workplace, with a 6% increase since 2023.

Poor employee mental health has been linked to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and costly staff turnover. As younger generations place greater value on mental health support from employers, HR teams must position mental health initiatives as a central component of their talent attraction and retention strategies.

This 2024 State of Employee Mental Health in Asia report equips HR leaders with insights into key stressors and barriers shaping the mental health of different generations in today’s workforce—including economic pressures, personal challenges, and health behaviours. It also outlines a strategic framework for change to help employers foster workplace psychological safety and long-term organisational resilience.

Explore further insights into the evolving mental health needs of a multigenerational workforce, and learn where HR teams should focus their wellness efforts in 2025 to improve business outcomes. Read the full report now.