In Singapore, mental health in the workplace is becoming a real concern. About four out of 10 employees¹ report facing high mental health risk, and nearly half are at moderate risk. On top of that, one in three young workers exhibits signs of severe stress, anxiety or depression.

These numbers make it clear: employers need to do more than just offer the usual benefits. They need to actively support their employees’ well-being by providing rewards such as mental health programmes, health insurance benefits, financial gratification, paid leave, and a sense of work satisfaction. 

Key Takeaways

• Cultivate a workplace culture that promotes employee wellness.
• Make space for flexible hours to boost morale and productivity.
• Encourage periodic breaks and time off to allow employees to recharge as needed.
• Prioritise mental health in the workplace through guidance and wellness resources.
• Accept suggestions for improvements and act on the feedback provided.

Here are five suggestions to enhance your employees’ emotional, social, and psychological happiness.

1. Foster a culture of well-being

Even in the 21^st century, the stigma surrounding employees’ mental health struggles in the workplace remains unchanged. The good news is that employers can uphold a more supportive environment through simple, practical steps, such as:

• Creating a safe space for honest mental health conversations, where employees can speak without fear or judgment.
  
• Organising team building activities in a neutral, safe, and non-formal office space, fostering open conversations and discussions.
  
• Regularly scheduling off-site programmes and team-building can significantly boost employees’ well-being. D’Resort’s tranquil ambience, nestled in nature, makes for the perfect setting, allowing your team to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.

2. Relax the rules to accommodate flexible hours

Employees often thrive when they are unburdened by strict office hours. Flexibility in work hours, schedule, and even location can put your staff at greater ease, reduce their stress levels, and encourage productive outcomes.

To support your team, you can:

• Offer flexible, staggered work hours, instead of fixed workdays with a rigid 9-6 schedule.
• Make work-from-home the norm for at least two to three days per week.
• Let employees adjust their daily hours where possible, so they can work when they feel most productive.
• Sometimes, a stress-relief vacation or a nature trip can work wonders. Offsite venues like D’Resort serve as great spots to unwind, recharge and bond outside the office.

3. Encourage breaks and time off

Some workplaces may encourage a workaholic attitude. But overworking causes burnout, exhaustion, anxiety, stress, and even insomnia.

Some ways to ensure your employees are well-rested:

• Promote short but regular breaks – be it for coffee, lunchtime gatherings, or simply some paid leave days.
• Schedule 15 to 20 minutes at the end of each day for staff to decompress before they leave for the day.
• Create wellness rooms or quiet zones as part of the employee well-being programme, for teams to meditate, stretch, or take short naps to recharge quickly.

No doubt, breaks and retreats play a significant role. In addition, you can schedule post-work decompress days, where employees can enjoy a workout at Ark Liv or indulge in a self-care session at Kskin, both available at Downtown East!

Learn more: After-Hours Escape: Perks of Enjoying the Nightlife Post-Work

4. Prioritise mental health in the workplace

Many employees still hesitate to bring up mental health issues or may be unsure of where to seek help. By making the necessary resources available, your company demonstrates its commitment towards promoting employee well-being. You can:

• Design an easy guide offering “Support at a Glance”, comprising key helpline numbers, HR contacts, local counselling resources, and EAP numbers.
  
• Host wellness workshops and activities for employees, covering topics like self-care, mindfulness, and resilience, equipping them with practical stress management tools.
  
• Provide self-guided resources via free, downloadable apps, including short videos on breathing exercises, yoga to relieve stress, and other simple activities.
  
• Give employees access to external resources, such as Support Go Where, a 24/7 SOS helpline where they can speak with mental health experts anonymously.

• Hold feedback sessions and “all-hands meet” town halls each quarter, and schedule time for employees to share their ideas openly.
  
• Create a “well-being committee” across various departments, tasked with reviewing suggestions and recommending the next steps.
  
• Recognise and reward suggestions by featuring ideas that have helped improve the work environment.

Putting ideas into action 

Employees tend to perform their best when they feel valued and cared for. The right tools and resources enable them to grow without limits.

Whether it is a short stress-relief vacation or a simple nature trip, destinations like D’Resort and Wild Wild Wet, Singapore’s largest water theme park, give your team the chance to unwind and return invigorated.

Reference:

1. Turn mental health into mental wealth at workplaces. (2025, February 24). The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/turn-mental-health-into-mental-wealth-at-workplaces