Imagine that this man was your top-performing manager, in charge of a million-dollar project. However, he had been absent for two weeks because of burnout and possibly other mental health conditions. This morning, he sent a resignation letter.
How much does it cost your organization if you have employees who are absent during an important project implementation? How much business is lost because there are top managers and leaders who cannot cope with stress and are not performing to the best of their ability, delaying projects and causing clients to leave?
An Urgent Call
The numbers above are urgent calls to action. Another important consideration for employers is the definition of mental health. The World Health Organization (2022, par 1) defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community…Moreover, it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.”
The mental health gaps in the Philippines pushed for the Philippine Mental Health Act (RA11036). This law mandates that companies create workplace mental health promotion and policies. Section 25 of the RA11036 states that
“employers shall develop appropriate policies and programs on mental health in the workplace designed to raise awareness on mental health issues, correct the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions, identify and provide support for individuals at risk, and facilitate access of individuals with mental health conditions to treatment and psychosocial support” (p. 20).
In addition, the Department of Labor and Employment (2020), in its Department Order 208-20, mandates employers to craft, monitor, and evaluate workplace mental health policies and programs
What is a Mental Health Policy?
The WHO Workplace Mental Health at Work Policy Brief identifies three targets: prevention of mental health problems, protection and promotion of mental health, and supporting workers with mental health conditions. In addition, DOLE 208 states that workplace mental health policy and programs should include the following:
Some Practices for Crafting a Company Mental Health Policy
In conclusion, the mental health crisis is the elephant in the room. A workplace mental health policy is a protective factor that can reduce absenteeism and improve the performance of employees because it promotes a culture of well-being. Lastly, a mental health policy is a proactive means for talents, leaders, and organizations to thrive and reach their full potential.
- Department of Labor and Employment (2020). DOLE 208. Guidelines for the Implementation of Mental Health Workplace Policies and Programs.
- De Villa, K. (2022, October 26). Just 3 mental health pros per 100,000 Pinoys | Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1684893/just-3-mental-health-pros-per-100k-pinoys-doh-training-more.
- Dumalaon, J., & Canaria, J. A. (2021, March 3). Mental health crisis a threat to Philippine economy. dw.com. https://www.dw.com/en/mental-health-crisis-a-threat-to-the-philippine-economy/a-56754982. Philippine News Agency. (9 October 2023). Mental health crisis a rising epidemic in PH’ – experts. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211404.
- Harvard Medical School. (2023). Half of World’s Population Will Experience a Mental Disorder. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/half-worlds-population-will-experience-mental-health-disorder.
- Hufana, C. (5 July 2024). Workers in PHL reporting mental health issues at rate exceeding global average. Business World Online.
- Senate of the Philippines. RA11036. https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/legislative-issuance/republic-act-no-1106.
- The World Economic Forum. (2024). Mental health. intelligence.weforum.org.
- World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all.
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