Highlighting efforts made so far, the ministry noted growth in the number of organisations signed on to the Wellbeing Champions Network today – from 54 in 2023, to 800 today, alongside measures taken by employers to prioritise mental health at work.
Mental health awareness in Singapore has grown significantly over the past decade, driven by government initiatives, workplace programmes, and public campaigns.
In line with this, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recently responded to a parliamentary query on what more can be done to encourage employers to adopt workplace policies or initiatives that equip workplace leaders and managers with competencies in self-care, stress resilience and mental health awareness — given the influence these leaders and managers have on workplace culture and mental health norms.
MOM affirmed that through working with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, initiatives has been developed and promoted to target at building workplace leaders’ competencies to support their own mental wellbeing, and that of their organisations and teams.
It highlighted two ongoing initiatives: the Handbook on Supporting Employees’ Mental Health and the Wellbeing Champions Network.
Handbook on Supporting Employees’ Mental Health
Launched by the WSH Council, the Handbook on Supporting Employees’ Mental Health guides employers on where to find support and highlights good practices they may consider voluntarily adopting or adapting, based on their organisation’s needs and implementation feasibility.
[Read HRO’s coverage on the handbook and what it entails, here.]
Wellbeing Champions Network
The Wellbeing Champions Network is a community of practice empowering everyone to advocate for a healthier and more supportive work culture where mental health and well-being are prioritised.
“The WSH Council’s outreach to industry, together with that of tripartite partners, has helped to encourage employers’ adoption of these initiatives.
[Read HRO’s coverage on the Network here.]
Highlighting progress to date, the ministry noted the significant growth of the Wellbeing Champions Network — from 54 organisations in 2023 to 800 today — as evidence of growing employer commitment to prioritising mental health at work.
“MOM and the WSH Council will continue to encourage employers to participate in relevant programmes for workplace leaders and managers,” MOM highlighted.
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