PETALING JAYA: A comprehensive workplace mental health policy should be introduced and implemented across both the public and private sectors to address growing challenges affecting employees, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Lee, who sits on the national Mental Health Advisory Council, said mental health was no longer merely a personal issue as it had a direct impact on workplace productivity, safety, employee well-being and organisational performance.
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“Increasingly demanding work environments, long hours, heavy workloads, financial pressures, rapid technological changes and poor work-life balance have contributed to rising levels of stress, anxiety and burnout among workers.
“If left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, workplace accidents, low staff morale and higher employee turnover,” he said when contacted on Thursday (July 16).
Lee said a well-designed policy would provide a clear framework to promote psychological well-being, prevent mental health problems and support employees experiencing issues.
He added that such policies could also help reduce stigma surrounding mental health, encourage employees to seek help early, and foster a workplace culture based on care, respect and inclusion.
“Employers who invest in mental health are investing in their most valuable asset – their people,” he said, adding that research consistently showed such organisations enjoyed higher employee engagement, stronger teamwork, greater innovation, lower healthcare costs and improved overall performance.
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Lee said an effective policy should include mental health awareness and education programmes, training for managers to identify early signs of distress, access to confidential counselling and employee assistance programmes, as well as measures to manage workplace stress and improve work-life balance.
He also called for stronger safeguards against workplace bullying, harassment and discrimination, alongside clear procedures to support employees returning to work after taking 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 added.
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Lee said implementing a mental health policy was not only the right thing to do but also made sound business sense, as employees who felt supported and valued were generally more resilient, motivated and productive.
He urged both the public and private sectors to make workplace mental health policies a priority 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,” he said.
On Wednesday (July 15), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat that his ministry was developing a workplace mental health policy.
The aim was to create a conducive, safe and harmonious working environment under the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) action plan, he aded.
