Why opening the conversation on Mental Health in the workplace to achieve better productivity is strongly recommended by a local Mental Health non-profit
World Mental Health Day is recognized across
many countries, including the Philippines, on an annual basis to raise
awareness of the growing concern over Mental Health issues that continue to
rise amidst changing times. In the Philippines, the entire Mental Health
Workforce is only composed of 2 people per 100,000 people in the Philippines.
The latest report from Department of Health stated that 1 in 5 Filipinos suffer
from a form of mental illness. More than 300 million employees according
to the study by World
Health Organization (WHO) suffer from it.
According to WHO, the workplace is one of the
key environments that affect our well-being and health. Globally, only 9%
of mental health promotion and prevention programs are focused in the
Workplace.
“We spend at least 9 hours a day at our workplaces. If it’s not a
healthy environment for your mind, body, and soul, your output and morale will
definitely suffer,” states Philippa Keys, ex-officio of InTouch Philippines.
This non-stock, non-profit organization has been providing Mental Health
Services in the Philippines since the 80’s.
“A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization
revealed that the global economy loses up to 1 trillion US dollars annually due
to lost productivity caused by Mental Health Issues such as depression and
anxiety,” Keys shares. “There’s still a stigma that prevents people from
talking about their Mental Health issues. The ever-increasing demand to deliver
more in the workplace in shorter timeframes is still prevalent across different
industries. And it’s time for companies to play their part by providing an
environment that opens the conversation on Mental Health.”
In Touch Philippines has extended help to hundreds of struggling
employees along the way through its Employee Well-being Program or EWP.
Among those who have availed of EWP from In Touch Philippines is
Havas Ortega. As an organization that belongs to the highly competitive and
evolving marketing and communications industry, achieving work-life balance is
a difficult task to contend with. Havas Ortega partnered with In Touch
Philippines to help its employee address the day-to-day challenges that affect
employees’ Mental Health as they do agency work. Through its partnership with
In Touch, the organization was able to create its TALK program which provides
every employee a dedicated 24/7 Employee Hotline as well as subsidized private
counseling sessions. Adding to these benefits, resource speakers from In Touch
Philippine’s pool of professional experts has enabled Havas Ortega to conduct
monthly In-house Skill Builder Sessions to educate and empower the workforce on
a range of topics such as “Mental Health Awareness and First Aid”, “Stress
Management” and “Finding Grit”.
Jos Ortega, CEO of Havas Ortega enthusiastically shares why upper
management has given its full support behind this initiative, “Employees are
the most important asset in the company. Here at Havas Ortega, we want to make
sure that we look after their health with a holistic approach - and that
includes putting a premium on mental well-being. At the end of the day, we want
to keep them inspired and motivated. We want to ensure them that there is a
solid support system to help them keep going.” The first of its kind in the
local advertising industry, Havas Ortega’s internal mental health program
became possible based on its cohesive partnership with In Touch Philippines.
For more information on In Touch Philippines’ Employee Well-being
program, you can call 893 1893 or email intouch@in-touch.org.
In Touch Philippines also hosts a 24/7 crisis line, offers face to face
counselling, and leads training sessions to build skills for healthier mental
and emotional well-being for individuals and their loved ones.
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