Strategies to promote mental well-being at work

OCTOBER 10 has been observed as World Mental Health Day since 1992.

The theme for this year, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, is especially relevant given that the number of workers in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2024 was 16.96 million, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Mental wellness correlates with productivity. Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that mental health issues result in the loss of 12 billion working days and US$1 trillion annually.

According to a March 2023 study conducted by Remote, a global human resource services company, Malaysia was ranked second worst in terms of work-life balance among 60 countries.

As such, it is crucial that we pay attention to our mental health in the workplace.

Some of the benefits of promoting good mental health at the workplace are:

> Better focus, which results in better quality work;

> Less absenteeism, more motivation, and commitment;

> Improved teamwork, team dynamics, and communication among employees, all of which contribute to a harmonious working atmosphere. It also creates a sense of belonging;

> A greater rate of staff retention, which lowers the cost of hiring and training; and

> Lower healthcare costs, as poor mental health can affect an employee’s physical condition.

Strategies to maintain good mental health among employees include:

1. Enabling managers to attend workshops to gain knowledge on how to recognise symptoms of mental ill health, and offering emotional support through active listening.

2. Encouraging employees to reach out and talk about their mental health struggles by promising confidentiality.

3. Allocating a specific budget for carrying out initiatives to improve mental well-being in the workplace. Create policies prioritising mental health in aspects such as working hours, workload, workplace environment, and equal opportunities. Make sure that the policies are implemented and enforced.

4. Allowing flexible working arrangements based on suitability. This will enable employees to maintain a better work-life balance.

For free and confidential emotional support, you can contact Befrienders KL at 03-76272929 (24 hours) or [e-mail]. There is also Talian HEAL by the Health Ministry at 15555 (8am till midnight).

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Patron

Befrienders KL