New research from the Hong Kong Youth Association’s “Youth Research Pool” has found that young individuals who have just entered the workforce are primarily facing challenges related to planning their future, managing interpersonal relationships, and coping with job demands. Some are experiencing anxiety, insecurity, and insomnia, among other issues. The organization is advocating for increased support from the government, businesses, and other entities.
The “Youth Research Pool” conducted on-site surveys from February to March this year, interviewing 604 young people aged 18 to 29 who are currently employed or seeking employment in Hong Kong, as well as 22 cases of young individuals experiencing varying degrees of stress in the workplace. The average length of work experience among the surveyed youth was 2.6 years, with current pressures mainly stemming from “financial issues” (36.4%), “personal development and future prospects” (35.6%), and “job-related pressures” (29.6%).
Over thirty percent of respondents indicated that they faced significant pressures upon entering the workforce, particularly in areas such as “planning their future” (36%), “managing interpersonal relationships in the workplace” (34.8%), and “meeting job demands” (34.6%). However, seeking help is influenced by various factors, including concerns about being labeled or discriminated against (43.4%) and not accepting that they have emotional/mental health issues (34.4%).
The research also pointed out that transitioning from campus to the workplace involves adapting to a new work environment and corporate culture. Some young individuals experience anxiety, insecurity, insomnia, emotional eating, etc., during this adjustment period, which typically lasts from 2 to 6 months.
When encountering stress, over fifty percent of the surveyed youth choose to “talk to friends” (51.3%) as a way to relieve stress. Others turn to activities such as eating or drinking (28.8%), listening to music, watching movies or dramas (27.3%), resting (24%), shopping (23%), exercising (22.2%), to alleviate pressure.
The study, drawing on input from experts and scholars, highlighted gaps in mental health services for young professionals in the transitional phase. Public services categorize individuals as adult service users once they reach 18, making them ineligible for child and adolescent services they might have used earlier, necessitating a reapplication process. It noted that young professionals facing mental health issues must contend with waiting times for public services or the high costs of private services.
Guo Dasheng, Deputy Convener of the Social Livelihood Department of the Youth Research Pool, cited the research findings indicating that young individuals entering the workforce need to adapt to the workplace culture, especially during the crucial six months following graduation. Consequently, there are suggestions to extend counseling services from tertiary institutions to cover young people who require follow-up support for a period of six months and expand vocational support services to include emotional health assessments.
Another Deputy Convener of the group, Zhang Chaolan, proposed that the government take inspiration from Taiwan and introduce a pilot program called “Youth Mental Health Services Voucher” to allow young people aged 18 to 29 to seek private counseling services through vouchers, covering online video services, streamlining personal data collection during registration, to ensure timely and adequate psychological support.
The group further recommended encouraging companies to establish “Wellness Day” to focus on employees’ mental and physical health. A collaborative effort among the government, businesses, and employees is needed to foster an inclusive culture. The government could intensify efforts to promote the “Mental Health Workplace Charter,” while companies could consider establishing a “Wellness Committee” to promote mental health in the workplace.