Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace & How Can Employers Support Their Teams
Work is always tough. Deadlines pile up, the stress mounts, and sometimes it feels like there’s no escape from the pressure. It’s no wonder that mental health issues are becoming more common in the workplace, not just globally but right here in Malaysia.
Think about it: A survey by the Malaysian Ministry of Health found that almost 30% of Malaysians experience some form of mental health issue, and much of that is tied to work stress. But here’s the thing: mental health at work is everyone’s issue. It affects productivity, job satisfaction, and even the overall energy in the office.
The Malaysian Workplace: What Are We Facing?
If you’ve worked in Malaysia, you’ve probably noticed some patterns.
- The grind is real: Many of us are used to working long hours, and overtime has become the norm in many industries. That constant grind can quickly lead to burnout.
- Stigma still exists: Despite more awareness around mental health, talking about it openly at work is still difficult for many. There’s a fear that if you speak up about struggling, people will see you as weak or unreliable.
- Work-life balance is a juggling act: Between job expectations and personal life, finding a good balance is hard. Many people feel like they’re running on empty trying to keep up with everything.
- Support is scarce: Some companies don’t have any formal resources for mental health. No counselling services, no wellness programs — you’re left to figure it out on your own.
Core Values: The Heart of a Healthy Workplace
Corporate values shape the environment employees work in. By embedding values that promote well-being, companies can help alleviate mental health challenges in the workplace. Here are key core values that can foster a healthier, more supportive environment:
- Well-being: Prioritising both mental and physical health is crucial. Companies that value health and wellness provide regular wellness initiatives, such as mental health days, physical fitness programs, and access to counselling, demonstrating that they care about the holistic well-being of their staff.
- Empathy: Imagine a workplace where people truly care about each other. When empathy is a core value, managers and employees alike are more likely to recognize when someone is struggling and offer support — without judgement.
- Inclusivity: Creating an inclusive environment where mental health is seen as part of the diversity spectrum ensures that employees feel safe to express their struggles. It sends the message that mental well-being is as important as physical ability or gender equality.
- Flexibility: Offering flexible working conditions shows that the company understands the importance of work-life balance. Allowing remote work or flexible hours demonstrates that the company values its employees’ personal lives as much as their professional performance.
- Support and Communication: Transparent and regular communication about mental health resources and support systems fosters trust. Employees are more likely to seek help if they know what’s available and that their well-being is a priority.
What Can Employers Do?
1. Team Building: A Path to Better Well-Being at Work
One often overlooked yet powerful way to improve mental health and well-being in the workplace is through team building. When employees feel connected, supported, and valued by their colleagues, it can significantly reduce stress and enhance job satisfaction.
Here’s how team building can make a difference:
- Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Isolation at work can exacerbate stress and mental health issues. Team-building activities provide opportunities for employees to connect on a personal level outside the usual work setting. By building camaraderie and trust, these exercises make employees feel more included and part of a cohesive team, easing feelings of isolation.
- Breaking Down Communication Barriers: Team-building encourages open, informal communication, making it easier for employees to express themselves. Activities like problem-solving games or trust exercises promote collaboration and help employees feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, which can foster openness and reduce workplace tension.
- Encouraging Collaboration and Reducing Tension: Working together on team-building tasks shows employees the value of sharing the workload, which can ease individual stress and reduce conflicts. Collaborative activities teach employees to appreciate each other’s strengths, leading to a more supportive work environment.
- Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation: Team-building exercises offer a break from daily stress. Activities such as outdoor retreats or mindfulness sessions promote relaxation and well-being. They allow employees to unwind and return to work with a clearer mind and reduced anxiety.
- Creating a Culture of Support and Empathy: Empathy is key to a supportive work environment. Through activities that encourage personal sharing and teamwork, employees develop a deeper understanding of each other, fostering mutual respect and care. This helps create a more compassionate workplace, where mental health challenges are more openly acknowledged.
- Building Trust Among Colleagues: Trust-building exercises strengthen bonds between employees, making it easier for them to rely on one another during stressful times. Trust is critical for employees to feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges and seeking support from colleagues or managers.
Example: The Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas, has made team building a core part of its culture. The company frequently organises outdoor retreats and activities like trust exercises, hiking trips, and collaborative problem-solving challenges. These events not only help employees unwind but also allow them to build deeper relationships with their colleagues, leading to a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
2. Corporate Wellness Programs: Supporting Holistic Health
In addition to team building, corporate wellness programs play a key role in supporting employees’ mental and physical well-being. A well-rounded wellness program addresses various aspects of an employee’s health, including physical, mental, and financial health, as well as work-life balance and social wellness support.
- Physical Health: Offering health screenings and promoting healthy eating habits can significantly improve an employee’s overall well-being. Regular health screenings catch potential health issues early, and healthy eating programs, such as providing nutritious meals or hosting cooking workshops, help employees adopt better habits.
- Mental Health Workshops: Providing ongoing mental health workshops can teach employees coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and burnout. These workshops normalise discussions about mental health and equip employees with tools to manage their well-being.
- Work-life Balance Initiatives: Programs that promote work-life balance are essential in preventing burnout. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or paid mental health days ensures that employees have the time to rest and recharge.
- Financial Health Support: Financial stress is a major contributor to mental health problems. Companies can offer financial health workshops, personal finance education, or access to financial counselling. This helps employees better manage their financial well-being, reducing overall stress.
- Social Wellness Support: Establishing peer support groups or buddy systems can encourage employees to look out for one another, fostering a sense of community and support.
A good example is Maybank, which offers comprehensive wellness programs that focus not just on mental health but also on physical fitness, financial planning, and promoting a work-life balance. By offering a range of initiatives such as fitness challenges, financial literacy workshops, and mental health seminars, Maybank demonstrates a holistic approach to employee wellness.
Putting Values into Action: Practical Steps for Employers
To create meaningful change, companies must actively implement their values in ways that directly support employee mental health. Here are some actionable strategies:
- Establish Comprehensive Mental Health Policies: Introduce Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential access to mental health support, such as counselling services or therapy. Having a structured policy in place makes it clear that mental health is a priority.
- Train Leadership on Mental Health Awareness: Equip managers and team leaders with the skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges, such as stress or burnout. Leaders should be trained to have compassionate, informed conversations and to direct employees to available resources.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible working hours, remote work options, and mental health days. This flexibility allows employees to balance work with personal commitments, reducing stress and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
- Regular Wellness Programs: Run consistent wellness activities, such as meditation or mindfulness sessions, group exercise challenges, or workshops on stress management. These initiatives keep the focus on well-being and offer employees ongoing support.
- Create Safe Spaces for Communication: Regularly encourage open conversations about mental health through anonymous surveys, dedicated discussion sessions, or informal check-ins. This creates a culture of openness and support where employees feel safe to express their concerns.
- Promote Financial Health: Include financial wellness in your support program by offering workshops on budgeting, debt management, and financial planning. Financial stability is an important part of overall mental well-being, and support in this area can reduce stress for employees.
- Celebrate Mental Health Awareness: Organise mental health awareness days, invite guest speakers to talk about wellness, and provide educational resources. Celebrating these events raises awareness and helps reduce stigma around mental health issues.
Conclusion: Moving Toward a Healthier Future
The future of work in Malaysia depends on prioritising mental health. By embedding core values like empathy, inclusivity, and transparency into their workplace culture, companies can create an environment where employees thrive both mentally and professionally. With the right support systems — from team-building initiatives to corporate wellness programs — businesses can foster a healthier, more compassionate work culture.
Ultimately, by making mental health a cornerstone of business strategy, Malaysian companies can build workplaces that are not just productive but also supportive, empathetic, and human-centred.
It’s time for employers to step up and ask their teams, “How are you really doing?” — because a healthier workforce means a healthier business.