Diabetes, cancer, and strokes are health diseases that workplaces take seriously. However, it isn’t always the case with mental health issues. Unfortunately, there is still some stigma when it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Not many companies in Malaysia take mental health seriously, but it’s worth investing in improving the mental health wellness of your employees as it can also be an attractive job perk when you’re recruiting at Jobstreet Malaysia.
Here are the steps you can take to improve mental health in your workplace:
Workplace counselling
Did you know the number of psychologists in Malaysia is ten times lower than the average of other countries? Due to the lack of psychiatrists and behavioural specialists in Malaysia, many sufferers never seek treatment. It also doesn’t help that treatment is costly.
That is why providing counselling in the workplace is a significant benefit a company can offer. Allowing employees to express their negative experiences with a qualified specialist can make a positive difference and improve overall morale.
Mental health training
One of the crucial steps towards positive mental attitude is being able to identify the signs of mental health issues. Most of the times, it can be challenging to diagnose mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Providing mental health training at the workplace can help employees to develop the skills needed to identify abnormal behaviour and seek treatment before it’s too late.
Implementing a buddy system
Having a buddy system is common for the newly hired, but there’s no reason employers should stop applying it for older employees.
Assigning a buddy for all employees can help colleagues to stay connected and foster an environment where everyone keeps in touch with each other. As it is a rare perk in Malaysia, companies with the buddy system can be a huge draw for prospective employees.

Daycares and maternity leaves
Postpartum depression and stress can occur to mothers when transitioning back into the workplace, eventually leading to depression. They can feel this way, especially if they don’t have a support system and family at home.
Although 60 days is the standard for maternity leave, employers can aid new mothers by providing extended maternity leave up to 90 days. Employers can also help by providing day care centres at the workplace.
Conclusion
Employers always have the responsibility of valuing the mental health of employees. These complications can also be a huge factor when it comes to productivity, as poor mental health can cause low levels of concentration, poor mood and impede an employee’s ability to work.
Visit https://www.jobstreet.com.my/en/cms/employer/ if you’re looking to hire!