In fast-paced cities across Asia where long working hours are the norm, competition for jobs and promotions is fierce and highly stressful working environments standard, prolonged exposure to such an environment can often lead to burnout and poor mental health. This not only affects employees but also an organisation’s bottom line; employees who are stressed are more likely to miss work, quit, be involved in an accident and perform worse than their less-stressed peers.

There is overwhelming research that highlights chronic exposure to stressful work conditions can lead to a number of debilitating mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, an inability to concentrate, and emotional exhaustion. In fact, according to a 2014 survey by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, twenty-five percent of those surveyed reported levels of stress and anxiety — that’s 250 times the global average — and 60 percent reported job stress.

Unfortunately, various reports suggest that mental health is not viewed as a priority by Hong Kong businesses. This may be due to the stigma associated with mental illness and a cultural reluctance to discuss, much less address, these issues in the workplace. Further, employees are failing to report diagnoses of depression to their employer for fear of losing their jobs and bringing shame and embarrassment to themselves and their families.

The SCMP wrote that “one in seven Hong-Kongers is living with mood disorders such as anxiety or depression; however, only 26 percent of those sought professional help, leaving many more to suffer in silence.”

So, what should organisations be doing to safeguard the mental wellbeing of their employees?

The implementation of mental health initiatives in the workplace has proven to be an effective tool to improve the health of employees, as well as increasing companies’ return on investment and improve employee productivity. Companies which have implemented successful workplace health programs are already reaping the benefits. What sets these organisations apart from the rest is the recognition that wellness consists of more than just the physical aspect.

Here are a few ways businesses can increase awareness of and address mental health issues in the workplace.

The World Health Organization recommends that organisations focus on education and support for their employees. For example,

• Educate managers so they are better prepared to identify and support employees with mental health issues.
• Promote good mental health practices and provide tools for recognition and early identification of mental health problems.
• Offer counselling facilities.

Physical activity has a tremendous effect on mental health, too: regular exercise leads to improved mood, sleep, thinking, learning and judgment.

• Help employees understand the importance of physical activity at workplaces via newsletters, health fairs, or signage (e.g., put signs at elevators encouraging people to use the stairs). 
• Set up walking meetings or active workstations such as standing desks to help reduce sedentary time. 
• Ensure senior leaders actively encourage participation in physical activity programmes, as well as participate in them. 
• Allow for flexible work schedules or breaks during the day for physical activity.

Occupational stress is most likely to occur when workplace demands overwhelm a person’s capacity to comfortably handle a situation, or when conditions do not meet an employee’s needs. Taking necessary steps to manage workplace stress is vital to the overall health of an organisation.

• Provide a stress management programme, led by accredited healthcare practitioners.
• Provide a dedicated space for employees to relax, such as a quiet area for deep breathing exercises. 
• Arrange employee social events that encourage wellness as well as build strong relationships such as workplace yoga, sports teams or even a company picnic.
• Help employees develop a better work-life balance by providing agile working agreements such as flexible working hours or remote working access. 
• Promote healthy sleep habits via mindfulness practices and workshops. 

An effective way to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues is to encourage conversations about it in the workplace and a great way to get you started is by circulating the Community Business Mental Health Toolkit. 

A greater focus on mental health in the workplace is a win/win situation for employees and employers. It’s clear that well implemented and properly funded workplace mental health initiatives pay dividends.

This addition of CONNECT is brought to you, in collaboration with Elissa James, a lawyer and the founder of IrisLillian.com, a light-hearted career, office style and wellness webzine for professional women.

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