In an era where mental health challenges are escalating worldwide, Thailand mirrors a concerning global trend: workers increasingly grappling with stress, anxiety, and burnout. A recent study by AXA and IPSOS, encompassing 16 countries, including Thailand, unveils the pervasive stressors affecting individuals aged 18 to 75 in the workforce. This research highlights key factors impacting mental well-being, illuminating the urgency for awareness and action within Thai society.
The study’s global span includes nations such as China, France, Turkey, and Thailand, showing a disturbing consistency in the workforce’s mental health decline. In Thailand, as in many parts of the world, financial instability and job insecurity compound the psychological toll of constant negative media exposure. The prevalence of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety remains unsettling, affecting one in three individuals surveyed. These findings resonate with Thai readers due to cultural sensitivities around mental health and a growing openness to discussing these issues within communities.
As Patrick Cohen, CEO of European Markets & Health at AXA, underscores, new stressors like climate change and online threats exacerbate mental health concerns. In Thailand, eco-anxiety becomes increasingly relevant due to the country’s vulnerability to environmental changes. Simultaneously, the rise of digital threats further contributes to a broader sense of fragility among the population.
Work-related stress significantly contributes to mental health challenges, as over half of the working individuals surveyed reported above-average stress levels in recent weeks. This echoes in Thailand’s bustling work environments, where achieving work-life balance is a recognized challenge. Concerning statistics reveal that more than a quarter of employees worldwide took sick leave for mental health reasons, a trend mirrored in Thailand as stress drives similar absences.
The financial cost of mental health issues becomes apparent as depression and anxiety result in an estimated loss of 12 billion working days annually, affecting productivity and economic stability. In Thailand, where the economy heavily relies on the labor force, such losses necessitate immediate intervention and supportive measures from both employers and policymakers.
Particularly troubling is the impact on young adults aged 18 to 24, a demographic pivotal to Thailand’s future growth. Within this group, mental health-related sick leaves rise alarmingly, with 42% affected, and 85% experiencing some form of anxiety, stress, or depression. Factors like social media overuse and societal pressures contribute significantly, aligning with similar trends observed globally. Thai youths face unique challenges as societal expectations combine with modern pressures, highlighting a generational divide in mental well-being.
In response, the study advocates for enhanced workplace support. Nils Reich, CEO AXA Global Health, argues for proactive measures from employers, emphasizing that only 47% of global respondents reported existing workplace mental health policies. Thai companies, likewise, have an opportunity to address this gap, fostering a supportive work culture that can simultaneously tackle absenteeism and improve productivity.
Thailand’s historical context, where mental health was often stigmatized, contrasts with contemporary shifts towards acceptance and intervention. Initiatives promoting open discussions, mental health education, and policy implementations can bridge the gap between employee expectations and actual workplace practices.
Looking ahead, the path to healthier work environments in Thailand involves collaboration between businesses, employees, and policymakers. Practical steps, such as mindfulness programs, flexible work arrangements, and access to mental health resources, can be tailored to resonate within Thai cultural and organizational frameworks. For Thai readers, this report serves as a call to action—encouraging individuals to advocate for workplace change and prioritize mental well-being in both professional and personal spheres.