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Asian wellness in decline: a cost of rising prosperity

Asian wellness in decline: a cost of rising prosperity Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide a general review of the state of wellness in Asia's growing economies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at wellness issue in a number of Asian countries. Findings – The rising prosperity of Asia's growing economies has drawn adverse consequences on employee wellness and the work‐life balance of many people. Intensified global competition and the expanding wealth gaps in Asia induce stress and create tension. A growing segment of Asia's working population reports being overworked and excessively strained, along with symptoms of fatigue, depression/anxiety, musculo‐skeletal pains, sleeping disorders and a rapid increase in chronic diseases. Long working hours, excessive workload, weekend duties, inadequate physical activity and an unhealthy lifestyle are often cited as the key sources of chronic fatigue and work stress. Mounting incidents of occupational illnesses/accidents, and the growing number of karoshi and suicides among prime‐aged working adults further raise concerns regarding individuals' health awareness and corporate effectiveness in employee wellness management. Originality/value – The paper provides a valuable overview of the situation of declining wellness in Asia. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Workplace Health Management Emerald Publishing

Asian wellness in decline: a cost of rising prosperity

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References (5)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1753-8351
DOI
10.1108/17538350810893919
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide a general review of the state of wellness in Asia's growing economies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at wellness issue in a number of Asian countries. Findings – The rising prosperity of Asia's growing economies has drawn adverse consequences on employee wellness and the work‐life balance of many people. Intensified global competition and the expanding wealth gaps in Asia induce stress and create tension. A growing segment of Asia's working population reports being overworked and excessively strained, along with symptoms of fatigue, depression/anxiety, musculo‐skeletal pains, sleeping disorders and a rapid increase in chronic diseases. Long working hours, excessive workload, weekend duties, inadequate physical activity and an unhealthy lifestyle are often cited as the key sources of chronic fatigue and work stress. Mounting incidents of occupational illnesses/accidents, and the growing number of karoshi and suicides among prime‐aged working adults further raise concerns regarding individuals' health awareness and corporate effectiveness in employee wellness management. Originality/value – The paper provides a valuable overview of the situation of declining wellness in Asia.

Journal

International Journal of Workplace Health ManagementEmerald Publishing

Published: Jun 27, 2008

Keywords: Personal health; Workplace; Suicide; China; Japan; Singapore

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