A country’s culture, history and expectations and attitudes towards mental health can impact how the topic is viewed in society, said one expert.

This shift comes amid a surge in mental health challenges in the region. (File photo: iStock)

SINGAPORE: Whether it is out of genuine concern or simply with a corporate bottom line in mind, employers are increasingly mindful of the mental health of their staff nowadays, said one expert.

This shift comes amid a surge in mental health challenges in the region, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Expert Associate Partner of the People and Organizational Performance Practice at consultancy McKinsey & Company, told CNA’s Asia Now on Tuesday (Oct 10).

World Mental Health Day falls on Oct 10 annually, to raise awareness for mental health issues and mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

“What we see in the research that we've done this year in 2023 across 32 countries, is that we are continuing to see some big challenges in our region,” he said.

He said that, for instance, 29 per cent of employees in Singapore report signs and symptoms of burnout, a figure which is above the global average. In Indonesia, the figure is lower at 19 per cent, but “it's still one in five people”, noted Mr Carmichael.

“What it tells us is that for every workplace, for every one of our leaders, there is a challenge that we still need to meet,” he said.

Mr Carmichael added that a country’s culture, history as well as expectations and attitudes towards mental health can have an impact too, and that no country is free from such challenges.

Koh, F. (2023, October 11). Employers increase focus on well-being in workplaces, amid rising mental health challenges: Experts. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/employers-increase-focus-wellbeing-workplaces-amid-rising-mental-health-challenges-experts-depression-anxiety-3836576