Cigna Hong Kong, S.A.R., China released today the Hong Kong, S.A.R., China findings of the latest Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey. This research is the seventh in a series of studies, which aims to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's well-being, and includes new areas such as virtual health, whole health, resilience and remote work to reveal the impact of COVID-19. Over 18,000 people aged 18 or above in 21 markets around the world, including Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, have taken this survey.
The new research, 2021 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey: On the Road to Recovery, suggests that while overall well-being in Hong Kong, S.A.R., China has remained steady between December 2020 and April 2021 (from 56.7 to 56.8), it is lower than the global average point of 61.3. It also has one of the lower levels of well-being of the 21 markets surveyed, aside from Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea. Hong Kong, S.A.R., China compares unfavorably with its global counterparts in all areas, including physical, social, work, finance, and family well-being.
Financial insecurity still the key stressor
Finances continue to be the key stressor for the people of Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, with the financial well-being index slightly improved (from 50.0 in December 2020 to 51.3 in April 2021). Only 16% of respondents said their current financial situation is positive (from 15% in December 2020). People continue to feel insecure financially and are more pessimistic about their finances, with only 19% of respondents saying they can maintain their current standard of living (a small improvement from 15% in December 2020), while the global average significantly increased to 28% in April 2021. Only 14% of people said they have the financial ability to meet their own or their family's medical needs (from 12% in December 2020).
The concern on the ability to pay for housing has decreased from 20% in December 2020 to 16% in April 2021. However, the majority of respondents still have a negative outlook on the economic environment and its impact on their financial situation and planning, with only 14% of respondents feeling optimistic (from 13% in December 2020). The majority also revealed that they felt financially insecure, only 17% respondents were positive on their financial situation in case of emergencies or if they are unable to work (a decrease from 18% in December 2020), and only 12% of respondents said they have sufficient money for retirement (a small increase from 11% in December 2020).
Mental health contributes an important influence on whole health
Hong Kong, S.A.R., China still has one of the higher stress levels across the markets surveyed, with unmanageable stress level raised to 18% in April 2021 (from 14% in December 2020). 88% of respondents claim to be stressed, making it ranked the sixth highest among the 21 markets surveyed, and is higher than the global average of 83%. Uncertainty about the future continues to be a key stress contributor, with almost half (48%) of respondents attributing this as the cause of their stress in April 2021. With the increased vaccination rate in Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, the stress in contacting COVID-19 has significantly dropped to 22% (from 35% in December 2020).
With a high stress level among Hongkongers, the ability to handle stress has become paramount. 52% of Hong Kong, S.A.R., China respondents rated mental health as a very important influence on personal health and well-being, which was ranked just below physical health (57%). Awareness of mental health is a key concern during the pandemic, which was ranked as an important aspect that influences health and well-being.
Jonathan Spiers, CEO and Country Manager, Cigna Hong Kong, S.A.R., China, said: "Hong Kong, S.A.R., China people continue to feel stressed about their personal finances and are uncertain about the future. At Cigna, we understand mental health and physical health are tightly intertwined, and the support for mental health is a critical component for better health and well-being. This year, we have organized various activities in October to coincide with World Mental Health Day to reinforce our commitment towards promoting mental wellness in the city. Our employees enjoyed a new stress visualization experience...
(All Rights Reserved)