Melvin Yong on advancing mental health
Studies have shown that Singaporeans are more stressed than the global average, with younger people experiencing higher levels of burnout. Workplaces, where most of us spend most of our waking hours, must form a key part of societal support. MP Melvin Yong made these points in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 6). One way, he said, is to make the “right to disconnect” the norm rather than the exception. He called on Singapore’s tripartite partners to agree on guidelines to establish principles on what a right to disconnect could mean for different sectors and job roles. They could review the effectiveness of the guidelines after a few years and consider further action including legislation if necessary. Mr Yong also asked that trained ambassadors be deployed in workplaces to help identify mental health challenges and early symptoms. He said more companies should also adopt Employee Assistance Programme services to treat and address mental health difficulties.
Studies have shown that Singaporeans are more stressed than the global average, with younger people experiencing higher levels of burnout. Workplaces, where most of us spend most of our waking hours, must form a key part of societal support. MP Melvin Yong made these points in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 6). One way, he said, is to make the “right to disconnect” the norm rather than the exception. He called on Singapore’s tripartite partners to agree on guidelines to establish principles on what a right to disconnect could mean for different sectors and job roles. They could review the effectiveness of the guidelines after a few years and consider further action including legislation if necessary. Mr Yong also asked that trained ambassadors be deployed in workplaces to help identify mental health challenges and early symptoms. He said more companies should also adopt Employee Assistance Programme services to treat and address mental health difficulties.
