Mental well-being is still regarded a taboo subject in our workplace today. Recently, I was privileged to attend a sharing session on Mental Wellness at our Knowledge Exchange Café. The presenters were Dr Ang Yee Gary (Public Consultant, NHG) and Mr Gilbert Fan (President, Viriya Community Services/NCSS). It was indeed an enlightening session because I learned that as leaders in the dynamic landscape of information technology, we often focus on achieving targets, driving innovation, and expanding our global footprint. Yet, amidst these goals, we did not prioritize the mental well-being of our most valuable asset: our people. Today, leaders with employees spread across many countries, fostering a supportive environment for mental health is not just a priority but a responsibility.
In our working life, we are regularly subjected to project timelines, metrics and audits. Stress can often feel like a constant companion. However, it’s crucial for us to recognize the signs and take proactive steps towards mental well-being. As individuals, we can cultivate resilience through simple yet effective practices. For instance, regular exercise not only boosts physical health but also releases endorphins that reduce stress. Taking short breaks during the workday to practice mindfulness or connect with colleagues can rejuvenate our minds and enhance productivity. It is important when working remotely, we stay connected to our colleagues via one-to-one meetups or team virtual games.
There are some posts on Tik-Tok tagged as “Save the Day”. There are many ideas about spending some time in a day just for yourself. This “Save the Day” posts was made popular by a tik-toker known as Trina @breatheintransformation. I found the idea interesting as we are usually so busy with our work, our family and our friends that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.
As an organization, we can embed a culture of support by offering resources such as confidential counseling services or workshops on stress management and resilience. Encouraging open communication and de-stigmatizing discussions around mental health are pivotal steps towards creating a safe space for all employees.
My mentee, Rosie, was involved in a recent audit and recognized her own increasing stress levels. She had to spend her days and nights working on audit requests as well as performing her work assignments. It was good that she sought support from her family during this period and proactively reached out to have a quick call with me to “Save her Day”. Being aware, and asking for help from her team and leadership, Rosie not only navigated through the challenging period but also emerged stronger and more resilient.
I believe that investing in the employees’ mental well-being is integral to long-term success. By fostering a culture where mental health is prioritized and supported, we can empower our teams to thrive personally and professionally. Together, let’s continue to champion mental well-being in the workplace and create environments where everyone can flourish.
#MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeSupport #Leadership #ITIndustry #ASEAN
