People with mental health issues don’t have the opportunity, even as companies try to embrace inclusion

To promote self-care and empathy, Tea Bar offers counseling sessions to help employees better understand and support each other.

Low Kok Wah, who leads deaf people in Hush TeaBar’s engagement and experience division, told CNA in sign language that the session will help deaf colleagues and people struggling with mental health conditions to interact with each other, albeit with differences. He said it helped him see similarities.

“Like me who is deaf, the future is bleak because of their mental health, but I started to be more aware of their mental health and show support for them.” signed by Mr.

Increasing number of companies introducing welfare policies

When Mental health is increasingly seen as essential for Employee Retention and Increased Productivitymore companies are introducing employee benefit policies, said Jaya Das, managing director of full-time recruitment for Asia Pacific at recruitment firm Randstad.

“Companies are gearing up in the workplace to take a more holistic approach to what it means to employ people,” she said. And continuing to generate wealth means[they]actively care about their private lives.”

For example, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which includes the sports drink Pocari Sweat, voluntarily allows employees in Singapore to work in the office, and holds weekly engagement sessions for team leaders to check employee morale.

But despite efforts by more companies, only two in five workers in Singapore feel their employers provide adequate support for their mental health. That’s what a recent study by the National Council of Social Services found.

Das said a lack of understanding of what employees really need is likely the reason why they are not empathetic to the benefits offered. She recommended hiring a professional advisor to address the gap.

“I think the first thing companies need to do is get an outside approach, where they get consultants and support and look at the benefits they offer people and what they actually need for mental health support. It basically shows you and helps you redesign,” said Das.

“It all starts with educating and understanding what our employees are dealing with and how it affects them and the people around them on a daily basis.”

Promote workplace inclusivity

More companies are stepping up efforts to incorporate inclusion and diversity into their policy-making and hiring processes for people with different needs, Das said.

Dr. Geraldine Tan, lead psychologist at The Therapy Room, says people with mental health conditions can find it difficult to interact, but many have the skills to contribute in the workplace.

“In relationships and social relationships, they find it a little difficult. But when they get a lot of understanding from their environment, they blossom and they have the abilities and skills to contribute.” Dr Tan said.

She added that she hopes the stigma surrounding mental health will fade and Singapore’s employers and workplaces will become more accepting.

“Imagine if we could give them that space and nurture them in our environment and work environment.” It will bring more benefits,” she said.