Enhancing Mental Wellness at Work: Insights from a Seasoned Expert - 10 Key Points
In today's fast-paced world, the importance of mental health support in the workplace cannot be overstated. This article explores strategies to enhance mental health support, particularly in small to medium enterprises (SMEs), through a case study of Raymond Suen's professional journey.
Raymond, a tax consultant by trade, has worked in both the UK and Hong Kong. His experiences in these roles offer valuable insights into the impact of work environments on mental health and the strategies that can be implemented to create a supportive and balanced work culture.
In his first job in Hong Kong, Raymond worked for KPMG in the personal tax department, preparing tax returns for clients. The workload was heavy, with an average of 10.5 hours per day, and the work culture was more results-oriented, placing less emphasis on mental health. However, in his second job, Raymond found a more balanced work environment, with a lighter workload and the absence of pressure, thanks to friendly colleagues.
The challenges faced by employees in Hong Kong are numerous. Overtime work, work-life imbalance, pressure from bosses to meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and revenue growth targets, negative emotions from customers, and concerns about financial stability due to high property prices, high rents, and limited government welfare contribute to burnout. In 2024, 49% of the workforce in Hong Kong reported suffering from symptoms of burnout, more than double from the previous year.
SMEs play a crucial role in implementing strategies to improve mental health support. Key strategies include establishing psychological safety and positive leadership, promoting work-life balance and clear role expectations, embedding positive psychology principles, implementing peer support and wellness champions, utilising cost-effective digital tools, collaborating with local therapists and community resources, leading by example, and advocating for public policy and prevention measures.
These strategies are adaptable to different cultural and economic contexts and help SMEs improve employee resilience, engagement, and productivity through sustainable mental health support. In Raymond's second job in Hong Kong, the HR team occasionally organised free activities for mental relief during working hours, demonstrating the effectiveness of these strategies.
Larger companies typically have more resources to implement successful mental health initiatives, while smaller businesses may not. However, smaller businesses can still create a relaxing workplace environment at little to no monetary cost. For instance, promoting a healthy work-life balance can help overcome burnout by advocating for reasonable working hours, avoiding discussing work-related matters when staff are on leave, offering more annual leave, offering mental health support, and organising regular team-building activities during office hours.
In conclusion, Raymond's professional journey provides a compelling example of the importance of a supportive work environment in maintaining mental health. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, businesses can create a culture that fosters psychological safety, promotes work-life balance, and supports the well-being of their employees.
Science has a vital role in shaping strategies for workplace wellness, focusing on health and wellness, including mental health. For instance, research could help small to medium enterprises (SMEs) understand the impact of work environments on mental health and identify effective strategies for creating a supportive and balanced work culture. In line with Raymond's experience, promoting a healthy work-life balance, through measures such as advocating for reasonable working hours and organizing team-building activities during office hours, can make a significant contribution to mental health and well-being in the workplace.
