#WorkplaceWellbeing

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)

Chronic fatigue and relentless work stress are increasingly common in Thai workplaces in 2025. Globally, up to 90% of employees report high work pressure, and burnout is recognized as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion linked to prolonged stress. The question for Thailand is whether burnout can be overcome while staying employed, and what changes are needed to make that possible.

For many Thai workers, extended leave or waiting for systemic reforms isn’t easy. A 2025 study of first-year medical interns in Thailand found nearly half experiencing burnout, with emotional exhaustion affecting more than eight in ten. Similar patterns appear in education, service, and corporate sectors, indicating a national challenge that crosses professions. Data from leading Thai health and education researchers aligns with these findings, showing burnout is a broader workforce issue rather than confined to one field.

A global surge in layoffs during 2025 has heightened job insecurity and driven many workers to overwork to remain employed. A CNBC analysis cites an unprecedented level of disruption, with nearly 700,000 layoffs in the first five months of the year, marking an 80% rise from the same period in 2024. About 46% of workers report worry about their future, underscoring a broader mental health challenge alongside economic strain.

Thai readers can relate to these dynamics as economic shifts ripple through the local workforce. Slower demand for key exports and rapid technological change fuel fears of job loss and longer hours as workers try to cope. In both public and private sectors, staff feel pressure to perform while navigating uncertainty.

A senior executive at a major tech company has sparked a national conversation about how AI tools can assist workers facing unemployment. The discussion focuses on large language models like ChatGPT and Copilot to ease cognitive load during job transitions. As layoffs ripple through tech and other sectors worldwide, Thailand watches closely for practical guidance and reassurance.

In Thai culture, losing a job affects more than finances. Work is tied to family stability, social roles, and personal dignity. Navigating this transition requires both emotional resilience and strategic planning for new opportunities.

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 psychology research highlights eight subtle behaviors that signal insecurity, affecting wellbeing and relationships in Thai communities. The findings offer practical guidance for personal growth and for building supportive environments in Thai workplaces, schools, and families.

In psychology, insecurity means a persistent sense of inadequacy that quietly shapes thoughts, emotions, and actions. In Thailand, where social harmony and maintaining “face” matter, these patterns can show up in distinctive ways. Many people may not realize that their reactions to feedback, comparisons, or praise reveal a deeper struggle with self-worth.

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.

Recent research shines a light on misokinesia, a visceral aversion to watching others perform small, repetitive movements. Studies suggest up to one in three people may experience noticeable discomfort, with implications for social life, work, and education—issues that resonate in Thai communities as well.

Misokinesia is defined as a strongly negative emotional reaction to seeing minor repetitive movements such as finger tapping, foot bounce, pen clicking, fidgeting, chewing, or nervous tics. While the term may be new to many, researchers at the University of British Columbia and colleagues reported in reputable journals that a significant portion of the population experiences this visual sensitivity. The findings come from a survey of more than 4,000 people, revealing that roughly one-third reported meaningful distress triggered by such movements. For some, the impact is minor; for others, it can shape where they feel comfortable, how they work, and how they socialize. In Thai workspaces and classrooms characterized by close collaboration, these effects can be especially pronounced.

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.

Short, snack-sized exercise can deliver meaningful health boosts. New research confirms that just 10 minutes of movement, with no equipment, can improve fitness and cognitive function. Known as exercise snacks or active breaks, these quick sessions fit into busy schedules and help counteract sedentary lifestyles.

In Thailand, where long workdays, commutes, and family duties stretch daily time, brief activity breaks offer a practical path to healthier living. Urban work cultures and crowded commutes make it hard to fit traditional workouts, but movement during the day can reduce health risks associated with inactivity. Thailand’s National Plan to Promote Physical Activity, aligned with World Health Organization targets, supports integrating movement opportunities across life stages—from schools to workplaces and neighborhoods.

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).

New research underscores that every job can feel meaningful when leaders provide vision, support, and clear values. A May 2025 piece in Psychology Today, titled The Three Cs of Meaningful Work, emphasizes that meaning is created by the environment leaders cultivate, not by job titles alone.

For Thai audiences, meaningful work matters beyond personal satisfaction. It links to national productivity and workplace wellbeing as Thailand navigates remote work, AI, and economic shifts. The Thai concept of sanuk—finding joy in daily tasks—aligns with findings that purposeful work boosts performance and mental health, blending traditional values with modern workplace realities.

A wave of research and media coverage is drawing attention to “golden handcuffs”—the idea that lucrative pay, stock options, or retention bonuses can keep employees from leaving jobs they might otherwise discard. As global markets shift, this phenomenon is increasingly visible in Thailand’s knowledge-based sectors, where high rewards compete with work-life balance and well-being.

The term, coined in the 1970s, describes financial rewards tied to staying in a role. While such incentives can help firms attract talent in tight labor markets, they can also trap workers in jobs that no longer align with their values or life priorities. In Thailand’s rapidly internationalizing economy, multinational firms and emerging tech hubs are expanding the use of these tools, prompting both opportunity and fatigue among professionals.

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.

New data from the 2025 ALM Mental Health Survey offers a cautious note of progress for lawyers worldwide, including Thai professionals. While signs of improvement appear, relentless workplace pressures remain a constant challenge. The findings provide useful lessons for Thailand’s legal community as it grapples with stigma, demanding workloads, and evolving client expectations.

Globally, lawyer well-being has long been a concern. Stigma around mental illness, heavy caseloads, and substance use have been cited as systemic issues in law firms, including those in Thailand. The ALM survey, which included more than 3,100 lawyers and legal workers across firm sizes, shows modest gains in several key indicators. Depression rates fell to 33%, the lowest since 2019, and anxiety levels dipped to 68.7%, though remain high. Fewer respondents now view mental health issues and substance abuse as a “crisis level,” with 43% sharing that view—down from 2024.

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 wave of recent science highlights a troubling link between long work hours and brain changes. A multicenter study led by researchers in Asia found that people clocking more than 52 hours weekly showed notable alterations in brain regions tied to memory, decision-making, and emotional control. While the research sparked global discussions, it carries particular relevance for Thailand’s evolving labor market and rising demands on workers.

Data from the Thai workforce shows Bangkok consistently ranks as a city with high working hours, and nearly one in six employees report working more than 48 hours per week. This new evidence suggests that sustained overwork could contribute to cognitive and emotional challenges well beyond fatigue, underscoring the need for workplace and public health strategies in Thailand.

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).

Financial worries are more than dollars and cents. They threaten mental well-being, especially as economic pressures rise in Thailand. Experts urge individuals and policymakers to address the psychological toll and offer steps that can reduce risk.

Recent reporting shows financial uncertainty—from job loss to shrinking savings—can destabilize the mind. Research indicates that how people perceive financial change matters more than the actual amount. A 2023 study found that viewing income decline as temporary helps protect mental health far more than the decline itself. The stories people tell themselves—whether they frame hardship as a temporary setback or a catastrophe—can determine whether they cope or suffer from anxiety, depression, or related health issues. The insight is supported by broader discussions around how money worries shape behavior and health.

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).

A new bill in the Minnesota Senate aims to address the mental health crisis within the construction sector by proposing a $1 million allocation to support mental health programs over the next two years. The move reflects rising recognition that construction workers face higher rates of mental health issues and suicide compared with the general population.

Democratic Senator Judy Seeberger of Afton champions the measure, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that show construction workers experience mental health concerns above the national average, with suicide rates reportedly three times higher than the general population. The bill seeks targeted interventions for workers in one of the most physically demanding and psychologically stressful industries.

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.