Younger generation confronts critical mind health challenges, necessitating enhanced workplace support

Work-related factors exert a greater influence on the mind health of Hong Kong's workforce compared to the global average, according to the latest findings from the AXA Mind Health Report 2025 ("the Study"). Among the affected demographics, young millennials (aged 25-34) and Gen Z (aged 18-24) face the most severe mind health challenges. They experience higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression and take sick leave more frequently due to mind health-related issues. Notably, this young generation experienced disproportionately higher rates of mental health problems compared to older generations, prompting corporations to enhance their mind health strategies.

The annual Study, which evaluates mind health¹ and wellbeing globally, presents a concerning picture of Hong Kong's workforce grappling with elevated stress levels and mind health challenges. 80% of the working population in Hong Kong cited multiple factors affecting their mind wellbeing, including uncertainty about the future in a rapidly changing world (58%), financial instability and job insecurity (58%), difficulty achieving a healthy work-life balance (53%), loneliness and social isolation (45%). Notably, work-related stress (60%) is particularly acute in Hong Kong—higher than the global average (56%).

Four in 10 Gen Z take sick leave due to mind health issues

The overwhelming pressure at work has become an invisible burden, impacting both mind and physical well-being. A staggering 84% of the working population indicated that work-related stress interferes with their daily lives, citing issues such as sleep disturbances (36%), decreased motivation (33%), physical symptoms (such as headaches and muscle tension) (26%), mood swings or irritability (25%), difficulties in concentrating (22%), and changes in appetite (19%).

The Study found that 23% of working population had taken sick leave due to mind health issues. This trend was particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 40% of Gen Z (aged 18–24) having done so — the highest among all age groups. The rate declines noticeably with age: 33% of young millennials (25–34), 26% of older millennials (35–44), and just 20% of those aged 45–54 — only half the rate of Gen Z. These figures highlight the more widespread and severe mind health challenges faced by younger members of the workforce.

Mind health issues most severe among young millennials and Gen Z

The Study has also revealed that 20% of the respondents potentially experience severe or more extreme impacts. Among these, young millennials reported the highest rate (33%) of severe or above-severe levels of depression, anxiety, or stress, closely followed by Gen Z (31%). The impact was comparatively lower among older age groups: 23% in the 35–44 age range and 18% among those aged 45–54.

Younger generation more inclined to use AI for managing mind health

With the growing prevalence of technology, 29% of respondents report using mind health applications or services to manage their well-being. The tools they are most interested in include AI-driven sleep tracking apps (66%), digital journaling (60%), mindfulness and meditation apps (59%), and AI-powered virtual therapist chatbots (57%). Usage rates show significant generational differences: Gen Z has the highest adoption rate (46%), followed by younger millennials (41%). In contrast, only 15% of respondents aged 55 and above use AI for mind health management, highlighting the greater popularity of digital mind health tools among younger generations.

Younger generations expect greater support for mind health from employers

Notably, around 60% of working individuals expect companies to implement more comprehensive mind health workplace policies. This demand is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 70% of Gen Z and 82% of younger millennials expressing such expectations. These findings underscore the current inadequacy of mind health support in many workplaces and the heightened importance younger generations place on employer-provided mind health resources.