Poor health of workers affects productivity but solutions are at hand, forum speakers say

03:20

Poor health of workers affects productivity but solutions are at hand, forum speakers say

Poor health of workers affects productivity but solutions are at hand, forum speakers say

Bustling Hong Kong is well known around the world as a thriving business hub and for its “can do” spirit, but that reputation also comes at a cost: workplace stress. Although a certain level of pressure at work is unavoidable, too much strain can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of employees.

Up to 49 per cent of Hong Kong’s workers said they have experienced a lot of stress at work, according to the “State of the Global Workplace: 2024” report, published last month by the analytics and management consulting company Gallup.

Its survey of employee mental health, well-being and managers, also showed how staff engagement, including their involvement and enthusiasm in their job and workplace, has had a positive impact on business productivity.

Many employers in the city are now taking note of staff concerns about workplace stress. Last month’s “Do Well: Partnering for workplace wellness and prevention” forum, organised by the South China Morning Post in partnership with Pfizer Hong Kong, featured a day of talks and discussions on the current situation and possible solutions.

Krishnamoorthy Sundaresan, general manager of Pfizer Hong Kong and Macau, said: “‘Do Well’ is about creating a platform, where the numerous stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem, starting with the employees in the middle and the employer, then their insurance broker, the insurance company, then the pharma[ceutical] and medical devices companies on the periphery, supported all through by the medical groups and clinicians … can create a win-win-win situation.”