Why mental health should no longer be an afterthought for organisations

While many Singaporeans continue to prioritise work for financial reasons or otherwise, there is a growing realisation that this should not come at the expense of their own wellbeing.

According to the recently published AIA Live Better Study 2024, about one in two Singaporeans (51%) indicate that they prioritise mental wellness more now compared to before the pandemic.

Critically, three in five (59%) believe that they need or might need more resources or support for mental wellness with affordability (66%), accessibility (53%) and presence of workplace initiatives (51%) identified as key resources or support that would be helpful to address mental health challenges in Singapore. 

With sizable time spent at work and its accompanying stress triggers, it is perhaps unsurprising that employees expect more mental support from their employers.

Now is the time for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to their employees, as Aileen Tan, CHRO, AIA Singapore, told HRM Asia, “In the bustling corporate world where productivity reigns supreme, the wellbeing of employees often becomes an afterthought. As Singaporeans become increasingly concerned about their mental health, organisations must step up and prioritise their employees’ wellbeing. After all, people are the heart of any organisation.”

She recommended that organisations start with implementing initiatives that cultivate an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, where the topic of mental health is embraced, and employees are equipped with resources to better manage their mental wellness.

At AIA Singapore, solutions such as ‘Think Well’, a pillar under AIA Singapore’s Work Well proposition for corporate customers and pioneering wellness programme AIA Vitality, allows the organisation to leverage programmes, campaigns, and policies to inspire and enable Singapore’s employees to live healthier lifestyles.

“By providing employees and managers with suitable tools and avenues, they are not only educated on mental wellness but are also better equipped with the proper knowledge to spot signs of poor mental wellbeing – decreased productivity, absenteeism or excessive anxieties and paranoia) – and are aware of the steps to tackle it,” Tan said.

“In moments when we fail to recognise our own mental state, the support of a caring community becomes essential… A simple act of kindness from a co-worker can be a powerful tool in helping someone regain their emotional equilibrium.” – Aileen Tan, CHRO, AIA Singapore.

With almost six in 10 Singaporeans (58%) feeling that there is stigma towards mental health in Singapore, she also urged HR teams to consider providing employee benefits to encourage individuals to seek mental health care from professionals, in a timely manner.

“In moments when we fail to recognise our own mental state, the support of a caring community becomes essential. Beyond workshops and trainings, anonymous access to psychological services is crucial,” Tan explained. “We need to foster a supportive workplace culture where employees feel comfortable looking out for one another, creating a safety net for everyone’s wellbeing.”

The bespoke Me@AIA programme, for instance, not only educates managers and employees about the signs of mental health struggles but also encourages open conversations to address negative beliefs.

“A simple act of kindness from a co-worker can be a powerful tool in helping someone regain their emotional equilibrium,” Tan highlighted, which acknowledging that organisations in Singapore can do more to build a healthy and resilient workforce.

In the long term, it should be a collaborative effort from to prioritise mental health and empower healthy employees to drive organisational success, a blueprint AIA Singapore is committed to.

“We look forward to continuing walking the talk as we deliver on our brand promise of enabling people to live healthier, longer, and better lives,” Tan concluded.