MENTAL health is a leading factor affecting productivity in the workplace.
The AIA Vitality 2018 survey reveals that 50.2 per cent of Malaysian employees have at least one dimension of work-related stress with 18.2 per cent attributing their stress to financial concerns.
According to the findings of the survey, employers also lose an average of 73.1 days per employee due to ill-health related absence and presenteeism.
Absence refers to employees’ absence from work due to health problems while presenteeism means employees are present at work but are constrained by health problems from carrying out their daily activities.
Additionally, the loss of working days increased from an average of 67.2 days from last year (2017) which translates into an estimated cost of RM2.27 million lost per organisation per year.
MIND MATTERS
Malaysian employees have also become increasingly affected by mental issues over the years which can lead to staff absences and turnover which in turn negatively impact the productivity and performance of a company.
If not addressed, both employers and employees are at the losing end with the performances of employees and employers affected.
A total of 117 organisations of different sizes and sectors participated in the survey this year, representing a combined workforce of 11,551 employees, more than double the number of participants from last year’s inaugural survey.
Since its launch, the survey results have brought to the fore the issue of high productivity loss, as well as other behaviours and factors like lack of sleep, stress, poor eating, physical inactivity as well as overall mental health and wellbeing.
Mental health remains one of the biggest but least talked about issues in the workplace. Often, mental health is largely ignored and undetected due to stigma and a lack of understanding.
Other issues such as stress, organisational culture, leadership and bullying can also impact the mental health and wellbeing of staff which in turn negatively impacts the productivity and performance of an organisation.
AIA Bhd’s chief executive officer Anusha Thavarajah says that as the leading provider of employee benefits schemes in Malaysia, AIA has a first-hand view of the impact that an unhealthy workforce has on employers.
Through this initiative, AIA continues to play a role that moves beyond just protecting and insuring people, but evolving into one that helps people stay healthy.
“This year, we especially wanted to tackle a difficult topic – mental health. With workplace stress being one of the main workforce risks, we felt that it was important for us to spur conversations on this controversial subject.”
There is a clear need for Corporate Malaysia to build a culture within its organisations that provide a safe workplace environment that encourages disclosure and healing without judgment she adds.
“It is our hope that this initiative we have embarked on is only just the beginning of a healthier workplace and work culture for all Malaysians.”
POOR HABITS ON THE RISE
The survey also reveals that Malaysian employees have poor health habits.
The number of smokers has increased in comparison to other markets (namely Australia, Hong Kong and Thailand) – 11.1 per cent of employees are currently smokers, compared to the average of 7.5 per cent in other markets.
They are also recorded as being most at risk for nutrition with 91.7 per cent not eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Additionally, 16.6 per cent of Malaysian employees are obese. Stress, binge eating, or being overwhelmed at work can be contributing factors to the rise of these poor habits.
The survey also indicated that employees are less likely to make healthy changes if they perceive themselves to be in good health. Around 13 per cent of employees have four or more risk factors however 62 per cent believe they are in good health.
But there is improvement in certain areas. Malaysia has the highest numbers of employees who show motivation in changing their physical activities and weight.
Additionally, more than half of the employees surveyed agreed that leadership in the workforce is positive.
Find more information on Malaysia’s Healthiest Workplace by AIA Vitality, go to www.healthiestworkplace.aia.com
KEY FINDINGS
45.9 per cent of employees are at risk with their physical activity falling below 150 minutes per week.
16.6 per cent of employees are obese.
85 per cent of employees have one or more musculoskeletal conditions.
91.7 per cent of employees do not have a balanced diet.
54.4 per cent of Malaysians get less than seven (7) hours of sleep per night, 11 per cent have poor sleep and2 per cent, very poor sleep.
32 per cent have one or more chronic diseases (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke).
56 per cent of employees feel that their line managers care about their health and wellbeing.
90 per cent of employers/organisations offer at least one intervention – but only 13 per cent of employees are aware of any intervention offered by their employers and for those who are aware, 59 per cent participate in at least one intervention.