More Support for Workplace Leaders and Managers to Develop Competencies in Workplace Mental Well-being

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Manpower whether 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.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recognises the vital role of leaders and managers in shaping a workplace culture that supports mental well-being. MOM has worked with the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council to develop and promote initiatives that are targeted at building workplace leaders' competencies in supporting their own mental well-being, and that of their organisations and teams.

One such initiative is the Handbook on Supporting Employees' Mental Health. Launched recently by the WSH Council, the Handbook includes guidance for senior management and supervisors to undergo training to strengthen their competencies in areas, such as increasing mental health awareness and practising self-care. Another initiative is the Well-Being Champions Network, a community of practice for workplace leaders to share ideas on mental health awareness and management, which has grown from 54 founding member organisations in 2023 to 800 today.

The WSH Council's outreach to industry, together with that of tripartite partners, has helped to encourage employers' adoption of these initiatives. MOM and the WSH Council will continue to encourage employers to participate in relevant programmes for workplace leaders and managers.