By TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, MEMBER OF MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
KOTA KINABALU: I strongly support the introduction and implementation of a comprehensive mental health policy at every workplace.
Mental health is no longer a personal issue alone—it is a workplace issue that directly affects productivity, safety, employee well-being and organisational success.
Today’s workplaces are becoming increasingly demanding. Long working hours, heavy workloads, financial pressures, technological changes and work-life imbalance have contributed to rising levels of stress, anxiety and burnout among employees.
These challenges, if left unaddressed, can result in absenteeism, reduced productivity, workplace accidents, poor morale and higher staff turnover.
A well-designed workplace mental health policy provides a clear framework to promote psychological well-being, prevent mental health problems and support employees who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
It also helps eliminate stigma, encourages employees to seek help early and creates a culture of care, respect and inclusion.
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.
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.
* Access to confidential counselling and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
* Measures to manage workplace stress, workload and work-life balance.
* Strong safeguards against bullying, harassment and discrimination.
* 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.
Creating mentally healthy workplaces is not only the right thing to do—it also makes good business sense. A workforce that feels supported, respected and valued is more resilient, motivated and productive.
It is therefore timely for both the public and private sectors to prioritise workplace mental health policies as part of good corporate governance and responsible employment practices.
Together, we can build workplaces where employees are able to thrive, contribute their best and enjoy a healthier quality of life.
