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KUALA LUMPUR - Workplace mental health policies should become a core component of good corporate governance and responsible employment practices across the public and private sectors, said Mental Health Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said the move is timely amid growing recognition that mental health is no longer a personal issue alone but an organisational responsibility that directly affects productivity, safety, employee well-being and organisational success.
Lee said today’s demanding work environment, influenced by long working hours, heavy workloads, financial pressures, technological changes and work-life imbalance, has contributed to rising levels of stress, anxiety and burnout among employees.
"If left unaddressed, it can result in absenteeism, reduced productivity, workplace accidents, poor morale and higher staff turnover,” he said in a statement today as a response to the Health Ministry’s proposal to develop a workplace mental health policy.
According to Lee, a well-designed workplace mental health policy would provide organisations with a clear framework to promote psychological well-being, prevent mental health problems and support employees who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
It would also helps eliminate stigma, encourage employees to seek help early and foster a culture of care, respect and inclusion, he added.
"Employers who invest in mental health are investing in their most valuable asset - their people. Research consistently shows that organisations with mentally healthy workplaces enjoy higher employee engagement, better teamwork, improved innovation, lower healthcare costs and stronger overall performance,” he said.
Lee said a comprehensive workplace mental health policy should include mental health awareness and education programmes; training for managers to recognise early signs of mental distress and respond appropriately, and access to confidential counselling and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
The policy also should take into account measures to manage workplace stress, workload and work-life balance; strong safeguards against bullying, harassment and discrimination, and clear procedures to support employees returning to work after mental health-related leave.
"Mental well-being should be regarded with the same importance as physical safety and health. Just as organisations have policies to prevent workplace injuries, they should also have policies that protect employees’ psychological health,” he said.
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry was developing a workplace mental health policy to create a conducive, safe and harmonious working environment under the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) action plan. - BERNAMA
