Growing workplace pressures and economic uncertainties are prompting calls for mental health to be treated as a workplace issue, not just a personal matter.
PETALING JAYA: Growing workplace pressures and economic uncertainties are taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of employees, prompting calls for mental health to be recognised as a workplace issue rather than just a personal matter, say experts.
University of Nottingham Malaysia Applied Psychology and Wellbeing associate professor Dr Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri said employers should implement employee assistance programmes (EAP) to provide workers with confidential mental health support, alongside stronger policies to promote psychological safety and accountability in the workplace.
“This type of intervention is becoming increasingly important amid economic uncertainties and global challenges that can place pressure on both organisations and employees.
“There is an urgent need for workplace policies that protect mental wellbeing and ensure accountability when mental health issues arise, grounded by principles of responsibility, justice and ethical conduct,” she told theSun.
Siti Khadijah called for immediate action by employers due to the increasingly demanding nature of modern work environments, in which employees are expected to perform in fast-paced settings while managing personal and family responsibilities.
She said employers should be held more accountable for safeguarding the mental wellbeing of employees, stressing that mental health deserves the same level of attention as physical safety in the workplace.
“Safeguarding the mental wellbeing of employees is a proactive step towards maximising their potential and strengthening families, communities and future generations.”
She added that failing to address workplace mental health could have significant economic consequences, including rising healthcare costs, lower productivity and loss of skilled workers.
“Many studies have highlighted the link between poor mental wellbeing and declining productivity. What is often overlooked is the spillover effect on society, including the erosion of family and social support systems. An organisation’s performance depends on an ecosystem of interactions and contributions from its employees. If mental wellbeing is overlooked, the entire system can be affected.”
Mental Health Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye echoed the call, urging both public and private sectors to adopt workplace mental health policies and move beyond merely recognising the issue by taking concrete steps to build mentally healthier workplaces.
He said such policies should focus on early intervention, reducing stigma and creating a workplace culture in which employees feel safe seeking support.
“Organisations that invest in mental health stand to benefit through higher employee engagement, stronger teamwork, greater innovation, lower healthcare costs and improved overall performance. Employers who invest in mental health are investing in their most valuable asset – their people.”
Lee said a comprehensive workplace mental health policy should include awareness and education programmes, training for managers to identify signs of mental distress, access to confidential counselling and EAP, and measures to better manage workplace stress and work-life balance.
