In today's business world, retaining top talent goes beyond competitive compensation as the definition of what makes a good workplace has changed over the years. In this article, we explain why you should care about your employees’ mental health, and how to do it right.

Recent disruptions such as COVID-19 have normalised conversations regarding employees’ mental health and well-being. Ranstad’s 2023 Employer Brand Research reported that 79% of Singaporean workers today value non-monetary benefits, especially in the areas of mental health and well-being.

Now, businesses that recognise the value of their employees' mental health can enjoy direct contributions to their long-term success through enhanced morale, creativity, and overall organisational resilience.

Benefits of prioritising mental health

Mental health can improve well-being, increase productivity, and reduce turnover rates, ultimately contributing to the overall success of your business.

Improved well-being and job satisfaction

Research has shown that employees who have access to resources and support for their mental health have better overall well-being and job satisfaction as such resources enable them to better manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and engage more with the company.

In addition, businesses with sound mental health policies in place often have higher levels of talent retention, as employees who feel valued and supported are inclined to stay with the business for the long term.

Increased productivity

The costs of unproductivity Singapore bears due to mental health issues are staggering – according to HRM Asia, Singapore potentially loses S$16 billion annually mainly due to lost productivity attributed to depression, anxiety, and related conditions.

By prioritising mental health, you can significantly reduce these expenses as employees who receive company support tend to have higher productivity and efficiency. Productive employees translate to a notable 22% increase in profitability due to higher-quality work and improved output, in sharp contrast to those with disengaged staff. 

Decreased absenteeism and turnover

Providing adequate mental health support can greatly reduce absenteeism and turnover, as it leads to fewer sick days. This is also applicable in reducing turnover rates as employees who are assured of support are generally more satisfied and less inclined to explore alternative job opportunities.

By prioritising mental health, you can then deliver double the cost savings to your company in terms of healthcare treatment, lost productivity, recruitment, onboarding, and training.

How you can do it right?

Creating a workplace that values mental health requires a few simple steps.

Offer flexible work arrangements

Providing flexible work options, such as remote work or variable work hours, is a surefire way to help employees manage their work-life balance, reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being.

To make this successful, ensure that these options are accessible to all employees and they have the right equipment to facilitate hybrid working. For greater flexibility, Singtel provides free access to 5G on specific XO Plus plans which enables employees to efficiently share high-quality multimedia content with minimal latency outside of the office.

Meanwhile, to balance productivity with security, Singtel Cloud Protect provides advanced threat protection against the latest malware and ransomware, all while your employees and devices are anywhere and everywhere. 

Embrace open communication

A workplace culture that encourages open and non-judgmental communication about mental health concerns is a crucial asset.

This all starts with leadership. Actively listen, show empathy, and provide necessary resources when employees share their struggles. Check in regularly with employees to gauge their well-being and maintain an ongoing dialogue about mental health.

Create a supportive and inclusive workplace environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to take care of their mental health.

Offer mental health programs and workshops

Lastly, collaborate with professionals or organisations to design and deliver comprehensive mental health programs and workshops that equip your employees with valuable tools and strategies to cope with stress, enhance resilience, and promote their overall well-being.

By investing in these programs, you can then lead a healthier and more mentally resilient workforce, which ultimately leads to a happier and more productive workforce.

Now more than ever, prioritising your employees' mental health is an imperative that cannot be overlooked. By offering flexible working solutions, you take a significant step towards creating a workplace that values mental well-being and empowers your employees to thrive both personally and professionally.