Office life has never been more stressful in Hong Kong

Manpower shortage issues are putting immense pressure on professionals in Hong Kong.

Following reports that global talent shortage is the highest in seven years, a survey by Regus has revealed a lack of manpower is the top trigger of workplace stress.

Canvassing 22,000 professionals in more than 100 countries, the survey found 28% of respondents in Hong Kong believe a shortage of staff is the most stressful element of their job. The figure was 8% higher than the global average.

Scarce manpower was also the top contributor of workplace stress in Singapore (27%), Japan (24%), USA (23%), and Taiwan (22%).

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Unreliable/obsolete technology (26%), and lack of exercise and unhealthy eating (25%) were the other top contributors of high stress levels in professionals in Hong Kong.

Over half of the global workforce (53%) also said they are closer to burning out than they were just five years ago, according to the survey.

“While stress levels are mounting in the workplace as a result of a combination of factors, including feeling desk-bound and under-resourced, workers across the globe agree that flexible working provides a useful outlet,” said Michael Ormiston, country manager at Regus Hong Kong.

“With a significant percentage of business people believing that flexible and freelance workers enjoy a better work-life balance, offering options for flexible working can help to keep the workforce both productive and happy.”

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The survey found many workers believed one way of easing the tension associated with demanding jobs was a break from the main office – at least for some of the time.

A significant majority of global respondents (74%), and 66% of Hong Kong professionals highlighted working from another location was a good stress reliever, the survey added.

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