Mental Health in the Workplace: A Balancing Act
The Role of Employers in Supporting Employees’ Mental Health
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has weighed in on the proposal for mandatory mental health leave, with its president, Syed Hussain Syed Husman, suggesting that a good working environment is more beneficial to workers with mental health problems than allowing them to take leave on mental health grounds.
A Shift in Focus
According to Syed Hussain, taking mental health leave may not effectively mitigate the employee’s problem if the origins of their problem lie outside the workplace. He emphasized that a workplace that provides strong social support, a positive working environment, employee satisfaction, and peer support would be more beneficial for those facing mental health issues than merely taking mental health leave.
The Employer’s Responsibility
MEF believes that employers have a responsibility to create work environments that minimize excessive stress and mental health risks. Syed Hussain called for training for both employers and employees and guidance from government authorities before any mental health policies are put in place. He emphasized that failure to do so would risk making such policies ineffective.
Discretionary Leave
William Ng, chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta), took a different approach. He suggested that employers should have discretion when it comes to providing mental health leave, allowing them to develop their own policies to address mental health challenges.
A Holistic Approach
Ng proposed that companies could include mental health leave as part of existing medical leave and require employees who frequently take mental health leave to consult a mental health professional. This approach would allow employers to tailor their policies to their specific needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding mental health leave highlights the complexities of supporting employees with mental health issues. While some advocate for mandatory leave, others argue that a more holistic approach is needed. Ultimately, employers must balance their responsibilities with the needs of their employees, providing a supportive environment that promotes well-being and productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of mental health leave in Malaysia?
A: There is currently no mandatory mental health leave in Malaysia, although some employers may choose to offer it voluntarily.
Q: What is the proposed solution?
A: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) and some human resources consultants have called for mandatory mental health leave, similar to sick leave, to be incorporated into the Employment Act 1955.
Q: What is the stance of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF)?
A: MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman believes that a good working environment is more beneficial to workers with mental health problems than allowing them to take leave on mental health grounds, and that employers have a responsibility to create work environments that minimize excessive stress and mental health risks.
Q: What is the alternative proposal from William Ng?
A: Ng suggested that employers should have discretion when it comes to providing mental health leave, allowing them to develop their own policies to address mental health challenges and include mental health leave as part of existing medical leave.