This article is an abstract based on Dr Victor Kwok’s talk at the Johnson & Johnson Townhall on 8 October 2025, titled “Recognising Mental Health at Work.”
Are Employees in Singapore Under Stress?
A Ministry of Manpower survey of 15,000 workers in Singapore found that one in three employees experience burnout. Another survey by Telus Health involving 1,000 Singaporeans showed that 47% face mental and physical exhaustion.
At the same time, some organisations — including the National University of Singapore — have discontinued work-from-home arrangements, which some employees feel may negatively affect their mental well-being.
The good news is that since COVID-19, the stigma surrounding mental health has decreased, and more Singaporeans are open to seeking help.
What Is Burnout?
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome specifically caused by unmanaged workplace stress. It is characterised by:
- Feelings of exhaustion
- Increased negativism or cynicism towards one’s job
- Reduced professional efficacy
Burnout not only affects morale and productivity but can also lead to long-term physical and psychological health problems.
Common Mental Health Conditions at Work
Beyond burnout, employees often seek help for conditions such as:
- Major depressive disorder: Persistent low mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks, with symptoms such as poor sleep, appetite changes, low energy, and loss of meaning.
- Social anxiety disorder: Intense fear of situations involving scrutiny, such as meetings, presentations, or social interactions.
- Panic disorder: Recurrent episodes of intense anxiety with chest tightness, shortness of breath, trembling, or feelings of losing control.
- Alcohol use disorder: Dependence on alcohol that causes tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and impairment in work or relationships.
These conditions can result in absenteeism (missed workdays) and presenteeism (reduced effectiveness while at work). According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy over US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
“I’m Not Even Profitable Yet — How Can I Afford Mental Health Support?”
Many business owners experience immense stress, especially during unprofitable periods. Founders often juggle multiple responsibilities, and the lack of redundancy can make it difficult to stay composed under pressure.
However, the stress-performance curve reminds us that both too little and too much stress reduce performance. A balanced, supportive environment — not an overly lenient or overly demanding one — allows employees to perform at their best and helps leaders sustain their own mental resilience.
“My Staff Say I’m Causing Stress — But I Need Results.”
This tension is common. Leadership often requires balancing accountability with empathy. Being firm about deadlines and expectations, and watching professional boundaries is necessary, but it’s equally important to be aware of unconscious biases — whether related to gender, race, appearance, or personality.
Leaders who combine structure with compassion tend to build teams that are more resilient, loyal, and high-performing.
Should I Invest in Employee Mental Health?
Yes — and the business case is clear. A 2024 Oxford University study found that companies focusing on employee well-being reported 20% higher financial returns over two years compared to those that did not. These organisations were also more innovative and competitive.
Supporting mental health also improves talent retention and recruitment. A 2023 Deloitte survey found that nearly 70% of Gen Z and millennial employees would consider leaving a company that neglects employee well-being. In a tight labour market like Singapore, mental health support can be a key differentiator for attracting and keeping top talent.
Beyond profit, companies that promote mental health build stronger trust, teamwork, and organisational reputation.
How Can Businesses Start Supporting Mental Wellness?
1. Set aside a small budget for mental health.
Allow staff to claim mental health consultations under existing medical benefits. Some organisations provide around $2,000 per year, which can cover private psychiatric care or therapy for mild depression or anxiety.
2. Ensure confidentiality.
Establish clear policies stating that the company will respect employee privacy and not request information from healthcare providers. This builds trust and prevents discrimination.
3. Adopt non-discriminatory hiring practices.
For instance, in institutions like SingHealth, HR departments do not disclose stable medical conditions to hiring managers, ensuring fair and merit-based opportunities.
4. Foster a culture of psychological safety.
Encourage open conversations about stress and adopt a non-punitive approach when employees ask for support.
5. Lead by example.
The most effective well-being cultures start from leadership. When managers model healthy behaviours — such as taking breaks, setting boundaries, and acknowledging stress — it signals to employees that self-care is valued.
6. Review job design and workload sustainability.
For larger companies, examining job scopes, workload distribution, and work-life balance can address systemic sources of stress. But even if that’s not immediately feasible, remember — start small, start somewhere.
Ethical Responsibility
In Singapore, employers have a duty of care to protect the mental well-being of employees. The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council have emphasised that psychological health is part of a safe work environment.
Proactive mental health support not only fulfils ethical responsibility but also reduces legal and reputational risks from workplace stress or harassment claims.
Reach Us Today
When businesses take care of their people, their people take care of the business too.
At Private Space Medical, our highly experienced team of psychiatrists (doctors) and psychologists (therapists) work together in a one-stop setting to provide comprehensive mental health support for individuals and organisations alike.
If you’re looking to promote a healthier, more productive workplace, reach out to us today to find out how we can support your team’s mental well-being.
Dr Victor Kwok
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
