More employees in Singapore feel alone and isolated at work

Employees in Singapore grapple with isolation and loneliness due to a lack of trusted work relationships. They also perceive a lack of safety in their workplace to be open about any concerns and issues that they may have without reprisal from their superiors, according to the latest TELUS Mental Health Index.

The study, released by TELUS Health, highlighted that over half (55%) of employees in Singapore lack trusted work relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Furthermore, nearly half (45%) of employees do not perceive or are unsure that their workplace is committed to ensuring all employees can speak up about concerns without fear of punishment or humiliation.

“Loneliness is not just a personal struggle, but a global threat to our mental health and wellbeing,” said Haider Amir, Director, Asia, at TELUS Health. “Without reliable connections and a supportive environment where individuals can authentically express themselves, challenges inevitably arise.

Amir shared the importance of employers proactively addressing the detrimental effects of isolation and loneliness on employee health and productivity to enhance employee wellbeing but also yield financial benefits for employers.

READ MORE: #IWD2024: Mental health a keystone in employee benefits

The TELUS Mental Health Index also found that one in 10 employees in Singapore did not feel valued and respected by their colleagues and are 60% more likely to report that their mental health adversely affects their productivity at work, with half of the respondents indicating that their employer did not or was unsure about support for psychological health and safety.

Moreover, 41% of the respondents did not believe that harassment, bullying, unhealthy conflict, and other harmful behaviours were quickly and fairly resolved in their workplace.