Plans to Introduce Mandatory Mental Health Awareness and Training Programmes for Employers and Managers

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Manpower in light of the recent findings from Duke-NUS and IMH on the economic impact of mental health issues on productivity (a) whether there are plans to introduce mandatory mental health awareness and training programmes for employers and managers; and (b) whether the challenges or considerations in implementing a mandatory approach can be elaborated.

The study by Duke-NUS and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) presents the economic case for organisations to invest in their employees’ mental well-being given the economic and productivity loss resulting from depression and anxiety among adults.

The Ministry of Manpower does not mandate mental health awareness and training programmes for employers and managers at the moment. There is a wide range of businesses, and they vary in the nature of work, size of company, supervisor-employee ratio, employee needs and company resources. There is also a wide spectrum of mental health conditions and a wide range of factors affecting one’s mental health, some of which are beyond the workplace. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting mental health and well-being for employees.

Instead of prescribing mental health awareness and training programmes for employers and managers, we encourage every workplace to identify suitable representatives to be Mental Well-being Champions to increase awareness and promote adoption of mental health support measures.

Employers and managers who are passionate about this cause are welcome to attend free or subsidised training programmes offered by the Workplace Safety and Health Council and Health Promotion Board. Tripartite Partners also provide practical guidance via the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces that employers can adopt to support their employees’ mental well-being.

That said, workers too have to take ownership of their mental well-being by taking active steps to stay positive mentally and seek help when needed. Family members, friends and coworkers can also play a part in supporting the mental health and well-being of those around us.