Ong Hua Han on advancing mental health

The upcoming workplace fairness legislation, which recognises mental health as a protected characteristic, is highly relevant, said NMP Ong Hua Han. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 6), he said for employers and employees to navigate the new landscape confidently, clarity is essential. He wanted to know how the new legislation will protect employees who choose to disclose their mental health conditions and guarantee that such disclosures result in genuine support and prevent further stigma or discrimination. Mr Ong warned that improper handling of mental health disclosures creates an environment where employees may hesitate to seek help for fear of repercussions of discrimination. Mr Ong pointed out that in the public sector, the Government has a significant opportunity to play a leading role in promoting the normalisation of working with individuals facing mental health conditions. He asked the Government to shed light on the support measures and initiatives in place for Public Service officers' mental health, as well as data on the percentage of officers who accessed mental health support between 2020 and 2023. He said this will help to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current support measures. Mr Ong also stressed the need to take a dedicated approach to identify and look after the mental well-being of more vulnerable residents. “In our national approach, we must strive for authentic solutions and stay well clear of well-being washing. When we do this well, I am positive that every Singaporean will benefit,” he said.