Under pressure: 3 major worries that keep CEOs awake at night

Some CEOs have planned to resign from their post amidst mounting pressure.

The immense pressure faced by business leaders in Hong Kong has led them to experience symptoms of mental ill-health over the past 12 months, the Bupa Global Executive Wellbeing Index revealed.

According to the index, amongst signs experienced by leaders include mood swings (11%), decision difficulties (10%), disturbed sleep (9%), and mental exhaustion or burnout (9%).

The index showed that there are three major worries that CEOs awake at night: meeting ESG goals (37%), work-life balance (27%) and economic uncertainty or recession (25%).

Amidst the mounting pressure they are facing in their work and the mental health challenges that come with it, many CEOs have planned to resign or change roles.

Of those planning to resign, 17% want to spend more time with family and friends, whilst 13% want to maintain their mental health.

Some (37%) are also planning to make a major career change within the next year, including moving jobs, reducing working hours, starting consulting or becoming freelance, retiring or stopping work completely. 

“Whilst senior leaders hold the power and accountability for their employees, it is clear that they are under immense pressure. The Global Boss Exodus has shown that companies must support their leaders both physically and mentally, finding solutions that can help maintain a proper work-life balance, for themselves and their people,” General Manager of Bupa Global Middle East and Asia, Dean Pollard, said.