#WorkplaceWellbeing

The lines between extroversion and introversion are rarely clear-cut, according to the latest psychological research and expert commentary published in HuffPost’s “6 Signs That You Might Be An Extroverted Introvert” (HuffPost). As many Thais return to office life, social gatherings, and family reunions post-pandemic, the nuances of how we relate to others—and ourselves—have never felt more important. In a society known for its “kreng jai” culture (consideration for others and social harmony), understanding one’s place on the introvert-extrovert spectrum could be the key to better mental health and more harmonious relationships, both at home and work.

Chronic exhaustion, unmanageable stress, and a persistent sense of being overwhelmed: these feelings have become synonymous with workplace life for many Thais in 2025. With surveys showing that up to 90% of employees report high pressure at work globally, and organisations such as Mental Health UK highlighting burnout as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion triggered by prolonged stress, a pressing question confronts Thai society: is it actually possible to recover from burnout while staying on the job? (Refinery29)

A leading Xbox executive has sparked debate in the workforce and technology sectors after advocating for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help laid-off workers manage the emotional and practical challenges of job loss. The executive, speaking candidly about the realities of layoffs in a post on social media, suggested that large language model AI platforms—including ChatGPT and Copilot—can play an integral role in reducing the emotional and cognitive load faced by those navigating unemployment (The Verge).

A growing body of psychological research is helping decode the subtle yet significant behaviors that indicate deep-seated insecurity—often lurking beneath a surface of confidence or apparent indifference. According to a recent evidence-backed report, eight telltale signs can signal when someone is grappling with insecurity without even realizing it—a finding that holds implications not only for personal wellbeing but also for Thai workplaces, schools, and families.

Insecurity, as described by psychologists, refers to a persistent sense of inadequacy that unconsciously guides thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In Thailand, where the value of “face” and social harmony often shape daily interactions, these hidden patterns may take on distinctive forms and consequences. Many individuals believe they are merely being themselves, but their repeated ways of reacting to feedback, comparison, relationships, or praise can reflect a deeper struggle for self-worth.

A recent wave of scientific research has brought attention to a previously little-known condition called misokinesia—an aversion to the sight of others’ repetitive movements—which is now estimated to affect nearly one in three people worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that this visual sensitivity is as pervasive as it is misunderstood, profoundly influencing social interactions and mental well-being, including within Thai society.

Misokinesia, a term translating literally as “hatred of movement,” refers to the strong negative emotional responses—ranging from mild annoyance to intense psychological distress—that some individuals experience when witnessing small, repetitive movements performed by others. Examples include finger tapping, leg bouncing, pen clicking, fidgeting with objects, chewing motions, or nervous tics (Futura Sciences). While the concept may be unfamiliar to the general public, new research led by psychologists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and published in Nature/Scientific Reports in 2021 has shown it is far from rare.

In a world where busy schedules make lengthy gym sessions feel impossible, a wave of new research is changing the way we think about fitness. If you only have 10 minutes, that’s now more than enough to spark major health and cognitive benefits—no fancy equipment or gym required. Called “exercise snacks” or “active breaks,” these brief sessions are getting endorsements from trainers and scientists alike as powerful tools for fighting sedentary lifestyles and improving wellbeing, including for Thai readers juggling family, work and community obligations.

A surge of new research is putting the spotlight on how every job—no matter how routine or demanding—can become more meaningful with the support and vision of strong leadership. The latest insights featured in Psychology Today’s May 2025 article, “The Three Cs of Meaningful Work,” offer a powerful reminder to Thai employees and employers alike: meaning at work isn’t defined by job titles, but by the environment leaders create and the values they promote (Psychology Today).

A wave of recent research and media coverage is bringing renewed attention to the phenomenon of “golden handcuffs”—a workplace dynamic in which lucrative compensation, incentives, or benefits keep employees tied to jobs they might otherwise leave. As changing economic conditions ripple through high-earning sectors such as technology and finance, understanding the psychology and impact of golden handcuffs has become critical, both globally and in Thailand, where local professionals increasingly compete in knowledge-based, high-reward industries.

Amid years of mounting stress and burnout in the legal profession, new data from the 2025 ALM Mental Health Survey offers a cautiously optimistic outlook: mental health among lawyers is measurably improving for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, even as serious workplace pressures persist and, in some cases, intensify. This shifting landscape holds valuable lessons for Thai legal professionals and underscores the universal challenge of workplace mental health in a high-pressure field.

A flurry of new scientific findings has revealed that the stress of working long hours doesn’t just leave people feeling exhausted—it may actually alter the structure of the human brain. According to a major study led by researchers from South Korea and published in May 2025, individuals clocking more than 52 hours a week exhibited significant physical changes in brain regions tied to memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, sparking fresh concerns about the risks of overwork worldwide—including in Thailand’s increasingly demanding labor market (The Times; CNN; Newsweek).

As the afternoon slump sets in and the aroma of bubble tea or a tempting chocolate snack wafts through the office, many find themselves reaching for a sugary or caffeinated pick-me-up—often with little resistance. Yet, according to recent research highlighted in a new report by Channel News Asia, these everyday cravings may reveal more than just a passing sweet tooth; they are deeply connected to how individuals cope with stress and regulate their emotional wellbeing (Channel News Asia).

Mounting evidence from recent global and Thai research makes the connection clear: financial stress is not just a matter of the wallet, but a serious threat to mental health. As economic pressures increase worldwide and in Thailand, experts urge individuals and policymakers to address the psychological toll money worries can inflict, while providing actionable strategies to mitigate the risks.

Recent coverage by NPR highlights just how deeply financial uncertainty—stemming from job losses, fears of recession, or shrinking savings—affects the psyche. While having financial reserves is a buffer, research shows that one’s perception of financial change matters even more. Social work professor Jeffrey Anvari-Clark’s 2023 study found that how people feel about a decline in income influences their mental well-being twenty times more than the actual loss itself. The narratives people adopt—interpreting difficulty as either a temporary setback or a catastrophe—can determine whether they endure the stress or slide into anxiety, depression, or even physical health issues such as high blood pressure and heart problems (NPR, 2025).

In a significant move aimed at addressing the mental health crisis within the construction industry, a new bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate proposes a $1 million allocation to support mental health initiatives over the next two years. This legislative action underscores a growing recognition of the unique mental health challenges faced by construction workers, whose rates of mental health issues and suicide are alarmingly higher than those of the general population.