Heavy workload tops stress factors in Southeast Asia – SEEK report

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — A recent report by Jobstreet and JobsDB by SEEK highlights a concerning trend in workplace stress levels across Southeast Asia, with heavy workloads identified as the leading cause.
The Hiring, Compensation, & Benefits Report 2024 (SEA Edition) surveyed 3,750 hiring professionals across five countries in the region in September 2023.
Southeast Asian workplace stress reaches concerning levels
According to the report, the average stress level across Southeast Asia reached 5.2 out of 10. Seventy-one percent of hirers rated their organizations as moderately stressful, with this number rising to 61% in high-stress zones.
Additionally, 27% of hirers pointed to high pressure from management and demanding work environments as significant stress factors.
Singapore topped the list with an average stress level of 5.5, followed closely by Malaysia (5.4) and the Philippines (5.3). The report noted that Malaysia and the Philippines have slightly more companies categorized as high-stress zones.
“Companies in this zone may need to implement effective measures to provide support and address the wellbeing of their employees, as well as [recognizing] the importance of fostering a healthier work environment,” the report said.
Mental health support: A growing priority
While stress levels remain a concern, only 48% of companies in Southeast Asia are perceived to be doing enough to support employees in managing it.
Companies in the Philippines (58%), Thailand (58%), and Indonesia (57%) were highlighted as offering substantial help against stress. Moreover, the Philippines stands out, with 62% of companies initiating new measures to aid employees in coping with stress.
Despite these efforts, there is still room for improvement across the region. The report highlights the need for more companies to prioritize employee well-being and implement strategies to create healthier work environments.
A Novartis study found that employees are more likely to use company-provided mental health resources when they hear stories of colleagues accessing such support.
Compensation and benefits key to talent retention
As the job market faces uncertainty in the latter half of 2024, companies in Southeast Asia are focusing on enhancing compensation and benefits to retain talent.
The average salary increment in 2023 was 7%, with the Philippines and Indonesia offering the highest increases. Singapore’s salary increment, however, was below the regional average at 5.8%.
When it comes to performance bonuses, the total average bonus payout was equivalent to 1.86 months of salary. Malaysia had the highest average payout at 2.4 times the monthly salary, followed by the Philippines at 2.3 times.
Global worker discontent fuels ‘Great Resignation 2.0’
A new survey by PwC reveals that more workers grapple with increased workloads and an accelerating pace of change in the workplace, fueling “Great Resignation 2.0.”
Nearly half of the surveyed workers (45%) reported a significant increase in their workload over the past year.
Additionally, 62% of respondents said they experienced more changes at work in the past year compared to the previous 12 months.
The ongoing shifts underscore a crucial period of adjustment in which employee aspirations for better compensation, career growth, and work-life balance clash with evolving job roles and technological integration.