LETTERS: Since 1992, 10 October has been designated as World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year is "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace".
This is especially relevant given that the number of labour force in Malaysia for the first quarter of 2024 was 16.96 million persons, as provided by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Meanwhile, data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicated that mental health issues have resulted in a yearly loss of 12 billion working days and US$1 trillion.
According to a study in March 2023 conducted by Remote, a global human resource services company, Malaysia is ranked second worst, in terms of work-life balance among 60 countries in the world.
As we spend a significant amount of time at work, our mental health in the workplace plays an essential role in our general well-being.
If we experience mental health issues at work, it will have an enormous impact on our daily lives. As such, it is crucial that we pay attention to our mental health in the workplace.
Mental wellness correlates with productivity. Some of the benefits of maintaining 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 communications among employees, all of which contribute to a harmonious working atmosphere. Additionally, it creates a sense of belonging.
* A greater rate of retention, which lowers the cost of re-hiring and re-training.
* Lower healthcare costs as poor mental health can affect an employee's physical condition.
Here are some strategies in which we can enhance good mental health in the workplace:
a. Mental health literacy: Organise mental health awareness programmes to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being among employees. For example, conducting workshops on stress management.
Managers can undergo skills strengthening workshops to equip them with the knowledge of recognising symptoms and offer emotional support through active listening.
B. Safe space and easy access to resources: Promote open discussions on mental health. Encourage employees to reach out and talk about their mental health struggles by promising confidentiality.
Train managers with basic counselling skills and enrol in an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
c. Allocate budget for carrying out mental health initiatives. Create policies incorporating and prioritising mental health, on issues such as working hours, workload, safe and healthy environment, and non-discriminatory policies.
Make sure that there is implementation and enforcement of the policies. Every employee has to be given equal opportunity and the processes for promotion, upskilling, and training need to be transparent.
d. Allow flexible working arrangements, according to suitability. This will enable employees to maintain a better work-life balance.
Every employee has the fundamental right to a safe, secure, and healthy working environment. Prioritising mental health in the workplace creates such an environment that is beneficial to both employees and organisations.
Employees feel appreciated and cared for and organisations prosper with increased productivity. Maintaining a work-life balance is imperative for mental well-being and it helps prevent stress and burnout.
For free and confidential emotional support, you can contact Befrienders KL at 03-76272929 (24 hours) or sam@befrienders.org.my to talk in a safe space. There is also Talian HEAL by the Ministry of Health at 15555 (8 am – 12 midnight).
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Patron
Befrienders, Kuala Lumpur