#WorkplaceWellbeing

A multi-experiment psychology study finds that interacting with autonomous agents that display socio-emotional skills can make people judge those machines as more humanlike — and, worryingly, judge other humans as less human and more acceptable to mistreat. The research, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology and available via the London School of Economics repository, uses five controlled experiments to show a chain from perceiving emotional ability in AI to lower “humanness” ratings of people, and finally to real choices that disadvantage human workers (e.g., preferring a company linked with poor working conditions or withholding a small donation to support staff) (PsyPost coverage; study PDF; journal record).

Groundbreaking psychological research has uncovered an unsettling paradox at the heart of artificial intelligence development. When machines display emotional intelligence that closely mirrors human capabilities, people begin viewing actual humans as less worthy of compassion and humane treatment. This phenomenon, documented through five rigorous experiments published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, poses immediate risks for Thailand’s service-dependent economy, where millions of workers rely on human emotional connection for their livelihoods.

A new wave of science-backed thinking argues that scaring people about disease won’t get them off the sofa — but making movement feel fun just might. A recent commentary in New Scientist crystallised this pivot in approach, noting that fear of illness hasn’t motivated people to exercise, and proposing that it may be time to emphasise the enjoyable aspects of moving our bodies. The argument lands as fresh global data show physical inactivity is rising, with nearly one in three adults not meeting recommended activity levels in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners in The Lancet Global Health. If trends continue, inactivity could climb to 35% by 2030, putting the world further off track from agreed targets to reduce inactivity and fuelling the burden of heart disease, diabetes, dementia and some cancers. As WHO’s chief put it, the numbers represent a “lost opportunity” to improve health that requires bolder action and innovative motivation — including making physical activity accessible, affordable and enjoyable. For Thailand, where office work is expanding and sedentary time is high even as many adults still meet movement guidelines, the evidence points toward a simple cultural truth: sanuk — doing things in a way that feels enjoyable — may be our most powerful lever to build lifelong active habits that stick (New Scientist; WHO news release; The Lancet Global Health study).

Groundbreaking research is fundamentally challenging decades of health messaging by demonstrating that fear-based exercise promotion fails to motivate sustained physical activity, while joy-centered approaches could unlock unprecedented participation rates across global populations struggling with rising inactivity. A comprehensive New Scientist analysis crystallized this paradigm shift in exercise psychology, arguing that traditional disease-prevention messaging has proven ineffective at encouraging movement, while strategies emphasizing enjoyable physical activity show remarkable promise for creating lifelong healthy habits. This scientific revolution arrives at a critical moment as World Health Organization data reveals physical inactivity affecting nearly one in three adults globally, with projections indicating 35 percent inactivity rates by 2030 unless dramatic interventions occur. For Thailand, where office work expansion creates increasing sedentary time despite many adults still meeting basic movement guidelines, emerging evidence points toward a profound cultural advantage: sanuk—the Thai emphasis on making activities enjoyable—may represent the nation’s most powerful strategy for building sustainable physical activity habits that prevent chronic diseases while enhancing quality of life.

As rates of anxiety and related mental health issues continue to climb globally and locally, new research backed by the University of Cambridge and echoed by Thai mental health authorities points to novel coping strategies that may benefit the Thai public. Drawing on the latest international findings, actionable recommendations—like embracing imperfection, self-forgiveness, and fostering social connection—are gaining traction for their real-world impact on building mental strength and reducing anxiety’s grip.

Groundbreaking research from the University of Cambridge, combined with innovative approaches validated by Thai mental health authorities, has identified transformative strategies for managing anxiety that promise to revolutionize treatment approaches throughout Thailand. These science-backed interventions—emphasizing imperfection acceptance, self-compassion cultivation, and community connection—offer practical solutions for the growing mental health crisis affecting millions of Thai citizens across all demographics and socioeconomic levels.

Anxiety disorders, characterized by persistent worry, panic episodes, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal, affect the majority of individuals at some point during their lives, but become clinically significant when symptoms interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or professional productivity. For Thai communities, this represents an escalating concern with far-reaching implications: the Department of Mental Health reports that over 8% of the population experiences high stress levels, nearly 10% face depression risks, and more than 5% encounter suicide ideation, with youth demographics showing particularly alarming rates of psychological distress.

A surge in worldwide reports of workplace burnout, especially in high-pressure sectors like healthcare and technology, is sounding alarms for managers and employees in Thailand and beyond. According to the latest insight from a Harvard Business School executive, burnout is not a random occurrence—it strikes when three powerful forces collide: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. This framework, building on both organizational research and psychological science, challenges old assumptions about burnout and points toward new strategies for prevention and recovery (yourtango.com).

A significant new study has found that nearly one in three people experiences intense negative emotions simply from watching others fidget—an under-recognized social phenomenon known as misokinesia. This surprising discovery, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shines a spotlight on a little-discussed irritation that could reshape our understanding of social interaction, mental wellbeing, and even workplace dynamics (ScienceAlert; MSN).

For many Thais, enduring others’ repetitious movements—from bouncing knees on the BTS to pen-clicking in classrooms—is a daily challenge. However, this latest research marks the first comprehensive scientific attempt to map the prevalence and impact of such visual triggers, highlighting that far more of us are affected than previously thought. As the Thai workforce becomes increasingly urban and social environments grow denser, the findings have particular resonance for local readers facing crowded spaces and fast-changing societal norms.

An epidemic of workplace burnout sweeps across Thailand’s rapidly modernizing economy, threatening the mental health of millions of workers from Bangkok’s gleaming towers to provincial hospitals and rural schools. Groundbreaking research from Harvard Business School executives reveals that burnout follows predictable patterns rather than striking randomly, emerging when three devastating psychological forces converge: profound exhaustion, growing cynicism, and diminishing sense of personal effectiveness—insights that offer hope for Thai families and organizations struggling with this invisible crisis.

Revolutionary psychological research reveals that nearly one in three people worldwide suffer from an unrecognized condition called misokinesia—intense emotional distress triggered by witnessing repetitive movements like foot-tapping, pen-clicking, or nervous fidgeting—findings with profound implications for Thailand’s increasingly dense urban environments and collectivist social culture. This groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports illuminates a widespread phenomenon that affects millions of Thai workers, students, and families navigating crowded spaces from Bangkok’s packed BTS trains to cramped office environments throughout the kingdom.

In an age where stress and emotional upheaval are everyday realities, groundbreaking research is shedding light on fast, practical ways to manage overwhelming feelings—without resorting to drastic historical remedies like bloodletting or even surgical procedures. According to the latest insights outlined by a University of Michigan psychology professor and an array of supporting studies, effective emotional management can happen in as little as nine minutes, drawing on scientifically validated strategies rather than outdated or invasive interventions (Big Think).

Toxic positivity—a workplace culture that insists “every cloud has a silver lining”—is causing more harm than good, experts warn, pushing employees toward burnout and undermining psychological safety. As businesses across Thailand strive to uplift morale after the disruptions of the pandemic, mounting evidence suggests that masking or suppressing negative emotions with relentless optimism can worsen mental health, reduce trust, and even hinder organisational growth. Recent research and commentary from international and Asian experts point to the urgency for leaders to foster honest, compassionate workplaces where the full range of human emotion is accepted.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly integrates into workplaces worldwide, mental health experts and researchers are sounding the alarm on the urgent need to investigate its emotional and psychological consequences. A recent call to action published in Psychology Today argues that while the technological capabilities of AI continue to dominate headlines, its less visible impact on human well-being—particularly for those whose livelihoods are increasingly intertwined with machines—deserves immediate and thorough research (Psychology Today).

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).