World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year. This year’s official theme, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the importance of fostering supportive work environments. There have been efforts to promote positive mental health at the workplace such as offering access to counselling, mental health days, and employee wellness schemes to support overall wellbeing. While such initiatives are a step in the right direction, a new survey brought to light that nearly half of Singapore employers are hesitant to hire staff with mental health conditions.

Dr. Oliver Suendermann, Vice President, Clinical at mental health technology company Intellect weighs in on the findings of the survey the company jointly conducted with ASEAN Human Development Organisation. He also discusses what leaders should do beyond providing mental health resources at the workplace.