Global Well-Being Impacted by High Levels of Burnout and Poor Mental Health

HONG KONG: The latest research from Cigna Healthcare reveals a concerning global well-being crisis. The Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study 2023, which includes survey responses from over 10,800 participants across 12 markets, highlights that only one in five individuals maintains a high level of vitality, with mental health being a crucial determinant.

Stress and burnout are major contributors to this well-being challenge. The study reveals that those with low vitality endure higher levels of stress, with nine in ten experiencing stress, compared to seven in ten among those with high vitality. While stress levels have decreased slightly since the height of the pandemic, they remain high, impacting eight in ten individuals. Alarmingly, burnout persists at endemic levels, with 94% of respondents reporting at least one symptom over the past year.

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Impact of Global Issues

The study identifies the global cost-of-living crisis as a primary driver of stress, with nearly half of the survey respondents citing it as a key source of anxiety. “Uncertainty about the future” closely follows as another significant stress inducer.

Jason Sadler, President of International Health at Cigna Healthcare, emphasises that the study underscores the complexity of well-being. He notes that external stressors significantly affect mental health, leading to alarming rates of stress and burnout. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to well-being, considering factors beyond traditional health metrics like diet and exercise. This broader perspective includes intellectual and emotional stimulation, cultural and social connections, financial and physical security, and, of course, health.

Nine-Year Exploration

Cigna Healthcare has been monitoring global well-being dynamics for nine years. The Vitality Study 2023 integrates insights from social, occupational, financial, intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental factors to redefine our understanding of health.

The study identifies vital workplace skills as high indicators of overall vitality. These include the ability to acquire knowledge, maintaining a safe and secure environment, and emotional management.

Jason Sadler asserts that the results convey a clear message to employers worldwide. Work plays a pivotal role in individuals’ vitality and well-being by providing social settings, resources, and essential benefits. Employers are urged to prioritize workplace health as part of their overall strategy.

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Dr. Stella George, Chief Medical Officer, International Health, Cigna Healthcare, emphasizes that employers hold a responsibility to create workplaces that foster individual thriving. She notes that well-being encompasses choices, relationship quality, and community health. In the modern definition of health, it extends beyond the absence of illness, encompassing physical, mental, social, and environmental dimensions.

About the Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study

The Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study surveyed 10,800 respondents in 12 markets, including the US, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, and the Hong Kong SAR between May and June 2023. The study encompasses 35 questions to gauge participants’ well-being across multiple dimensions, providing a comprehensive understanding of their ability to thrive in organisational settings and live a life with health, strength, and energy.

The study is built on the Evernorth Vitality Index©, developed in collaboration with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Richard Ryan. This index measures eight dimensions of well-being, in addition to three components of the Subjective Vitality Scales (SVS).

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider dedicated to advocating for better health throughout all stages of life. They guide customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with information and insights for making informed choices that improve health and vitality.

For more information, please visit Cigna Healthcare.