Stigma may be preventing employees from seeking help. In addition, our Q3 TELUS Mental Health Index (MHI) report informs us that many South Korean workers may be struggling with financial vulnerability and poor sleep. Plus, their leaders don’t feel equipped to help.
- Career impact: 49% fear career repercussions if their workplace knows about a mental health issue.
- Self-perception: 54% of South Koreans, especially younger workers, would feel negatively about themselves if experiencing a mental health issue.
Manager training and communication gaps
Just over half of people leaders feel prepared to handle employee mental health issues. And, as a result of poor communication, workers struggle to get support and resources on their own.
- Mental health training: 22% of managers say their organization does not offer proper mental health training.
- Communication downfalls: nearly 9 in 10 workers consider communications about health and wellbeing programs to be unclear or inconsistent.
Financial vulnerability as a stressor
In our Q3 MHI report, you’ll learn that personal finances are the leading source of personal stress for employed New Zealanders, for the second consecutive period.
- Everyday financial concerns: 75% worry about meeting everyday needs and many have cut back on spending lately.
- Little hope in their future: 4 in 5 workers lack confidence in their financial future, and non-parents are more likely to feel vulnerable.
The impact of sleep quality on productivity
Poor sleep affects the productivity of 22% of South Korean workers and we know what’s keeping them awake:
- Work stress: 41% of workers say that work stress is a leading factor contributing to poor sleep.
- Mental health link: 21% of workers attribute poor sleep to mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.
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This MHI report is based on a survey of 1,000 workers in South Korea. It provides insight into the mental health of employed adults and the trend over time.
Key takeaways for people leaders
- Make sure employees feel safe to discuss mental health issues in the workplace
- Revisit your communication strategy and train managers to deal with mental health issues
- Provide resources to help promote better sleep habits and work life balance
- Help alleviate financial stress by offering educational resources, as well as fair compensation and benefits