SINGAPORE, a city of boundless opportunities, has always been a beacon of ambition and prosperity in Asia. But beneath the gleaming skyline and bustling streets, an alarming trend is unravelling the fabric of the workforce that is composed of 3.7 million Singaporean employees. An “epidemic of stress” has taken hold, resulting in the declining productivity of workers.

Singaporeans on the precipice of burnout

Data from the Asia Mental Health Index report, a joint study by Aon and Telus Health, tells a sobering story. More than half of Singaporean workers (52 per cent) report that they are now more sensitive to stress compared to the previous year. This is a stark revelation of the heightened pressure many are experiencing in their daily lives.

The repercussions extend beyond individuals; it’s seeping into workplaces and will certainly affect the economy as a whole eventually. The research found that almost half of Singaporeans (43 per cent) openly admit that their mental health is negatively impacting their work productivity. It’s not an issue we can afford to ignore any longer. This is a wake-up call, not just for businesses, but for society as a whole.

The multiple pressures we juggle

The context for this alarming trend is the lingering impact of Covid. Consistent with studies on Sars, the mental health impact of Covid continues long after the physical health risk has passed – especially because of the far-longer impact and lockdowns for Covid as compared with Sars in Singapore. This has led to heightened levels of burnout and stress.

In addition, it has reduced people’s capacity to absorb new stressors, so these add on to existing burdens and compound them. All this has led to the gradual erosion of the overall mental health of the workforce.

Approximately half of the respondents indicated that they more frequently conclude their workdays feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted. These numbers reflect the increasing burden Singaporean workers carry every day in their professional lives. Beyond the exhaustion, many Singaporeans are also experiencing anxiety, isolation, and depression. This is indicative of the emotional toll that the modern workplace can exact on individuals, which, in turn, affects overall mental well-being.

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This “epidemic” is further exacerbated by the stigma attached to mental health conditions that Singaporean workers face. More than half of those asked expressed concerns that their career opportunities would be constrained if they disclosed a mental health issue to their employers. More than half also feared their friends and family might treat them differently if they were to open up about their mental health challenges. Evidently, the fear of social stigmatisation is a potent force that discourages individuals here from seeking the support they need.

It is clear that the prevalence of overwhelming and crippling levels of stress within the workplace cannot be ignored any longer. While businesses have begun recognising the importance of employee well-being, it is imperative that they step up and provide the support and resources necessary to combat this crisis effectively.

The economic impact of neglecting mental health

The Ministry of Health’s recent release of the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy reflects the government’s recognition of the urgency of addressing this issue. The fact is, employees spend a significant portion of their lives in the workplace. Given the time spent at work and the direct impact of work-related stressors on mental health, it is essential for employers to prioritise their employees’ mental well-being and to provide strong support for those dealing with mental health conditions.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that neglecting mental health concerns leads to reduced employee well-being, diminished productivity, and increased turnover rates, which directly impacts both personal lives and job satisfaction. Addressing the mental health and well-being of staff is no longer a “nice to have” – rather, it is a commercial imperative. It is crucial that businesses reflect on how they can better collaborate with the government and implement the strategies outlined in the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy.

How to mitigate the risks

As we confront this “epidemic of stress” that threatens the well-being and productivity of Singaporean workers, it’s imperative that businesses, in partnership with the government, prioritise mental health support. This involves investing in mental health programmes, destigmatising conversations around mental well-being, and providing resources that support the mental health of the workforce. Encouraging a culture of work-life balance, and ensuring employees have access to mental health professionals are vital steps in creating a supportive environment.

Businesses can foster a culture of open communication, where employees feel comfortable discussing their struggles, without fear of repercussions. Training managers to recognise the signs of stress and burnout and equipping them with tools to address these issues is another vital aspect of a comprehensive strategy. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can serve as a lifeline for employees in distress, offering confidential support and guidance.

The collective effort of both employers and employees is essential in creating a workplace that nurtures personal and professional development. Addressing this “epidemic” is not only a moral duty but also a necessity for maintaining a competitive edge and safeguarding the well-being of employees.

By implementing comprehensive strategies to support mental health in the workplace, businesses can mitigate long-term risks, create a more resilient and engaged workforce, and ultimately secure a brighter future for both employees and the broader Singaporean economy.

It’s time for a concerted effort, a united front against stress, and a new era of well-being for Singapore’s workforce.

The writer is is SVP and managing director Apac at Telus Health