Seven out of 10 workers are stressed amid lack of employer support

The support for mental health has diminished as businesses shift focus post-pandemic, despite continued high stress levels among workers. 

In Singapore, 68% of workers experience stress weekly, slightly above Asia Pacific’s 61% average, according to results from ADP Research Institute’s People at Work 2023 report.

Notably, 12% of Singaporean workers face daily stress. Stress negatively impacts 67% of workers' performance, rising to 84% in the Media/Information industry. 

However, only 51% feel their employers support their mental health, a decrease from 57% in 2022. Peer support has also declined, with 54% feeling colleague support in 2023, down from 61%.

Yvonne Teo, VP of HR, APAC, ADP, notes that employer support for mental health has diminished as businesses shift focus post-pandemic, despite continued high stress levels among workers. 

Additionally, 48% of workers believe their managers or colleagues are ill-equipped for non-judgmental mental health discussions. Globally, 65% of workers report stress affecting their performance. 

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“Offering employee assistance programmes could suggest that employers are rationalising or formalising their wellbeing support arrangements. However, companies also need to embed support into day-to-day working practices and create an environment where staff feel supported and comfortable expressing their concerns,” Teo said.

The study, surveying over 32,000 workers in 17 countries, reveals a decline in employers’ initiatives like well-being days, counselling services, and stress management breaks. Conversely, team-building activities and employee assistance programs are increasingly being adopted to improve mental health.

“Managers who play a big role in ensuring the success of this ecosystem must have open communication and regular check-ins with their staff. It is therefore important to educate and train managers to recognise signs of stress and take prompt action such as offering support resources or referring staff to other support programmes or structures.” Teo added.