Employers will now have a guide on measures they can take to support their employees’ mental well-being. The guide comes in the form of the new Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces.
The advisory also contains resources for employers, employees and self-employed persons.
Speaking on behalf of tripartite partners, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo announced the advisory on 17 November 2020 at the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Conference.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), NTUC and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) worked together to develop the recommendations. HR practitioners and social agencies were also consulted.
“There has been increasing attention on workers’ mental well-being and growing recognition that a negative work environment can impact workers’ mental health. Conversely, workplaces that promote workers’ mental well-being are more likely to observe increased productivity and reduced absenteeism,” said the tripartite partners in a joint release.
The Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces sets out recommendations for employers. Some broad recommendations include:
Meanwhile, employees and self-employed persons should look after their mental well-being and reach out for help if they feel overwhelmed.
(Download the full advisory and infographics at the end of the article.)
The tripartite partners added that they hope the advisory will kickstart more pervasive adoption of the recommended measures, especially with the disruptions brought about by COVID-19.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Melvin Yong said: “In this prolonged period of telecommuting work arrangements, I understand that many workers are facing greater mental stress from juggling work and personal commitments while having to adapt to the COVID guidelines and restrictions.
“The Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces will help to reassure workers that safeguards are in place to support their mental well-being. The guidelines, particularly the part on establishing a work-life harmony policy for employees to rest and recharge after work, will benefit many workers, especially those suffering and those who are at risk from workplace burnout.”
Mr Yong added that the Labour Movement is committed to working with unionised companies to adopt the recommendations and strengthen mental health-related support at the workplaces with its partners.
SNEF Vice President John Ng, who also chairs the WSH Council, believes that employers who take care of their employees’ mental well-being will benefit in the long run.
He said: “The mental well-being of employees may affect their work, safety and health. The tripartite advisory will help employers to take proactive steps to take care of their employees’ mental well-being so that they are able to stay focused at work, work safely and stay healthy. In turn, employers will benefit from a healthy and productive workforce which can contribute to better business performance.”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had also announced on 11 October 2020 a new inter-agency task force to tackle the mental well-being issues of Singaporeans arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
