Stressed Asian man sitting alone indoors – highlighting mental health struggles, burnout, and the need for emotional support in the workplace

Why Mental Health Support at Work Matters—And How Companies Can Lead the Way

In Singapore, where long hours, high expectations, and fast-paced lifestyles are normalised, it is to no surprise that episodes of stress and burnouts are not uncommon to many. The relentless demands of financial pressures, back-to-back meetings, and constant digital communication are pushing employees to their mental health and emotional health limits.

And the numbers don’t lie.

According to The Straits Times, 2 in 5 employees in Singapore are currently struggling with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Yet, despite growing awareness, the majority of workplaces do not providing sufficient mental health support.

Colleagues offering support to a stressed employee – promoting workplace wellness and mental health awareness at work

That’s why in this blog, we break down:

  • Why workplace mental health matters more than ever
  • How it impacts your business performance
  • What strategies leaders can implement
  • Practical tips for individuals
  • How AnjouHealth supports businesses with customised programmes
Burnt out office worker under pressure from multitasking, symbolizing workplace stress and mental health strain in high-demand jobs

The Cost of Inaction

Mental health challenges don’t just affect personal well-being—they have a measurable impact on the workplace. Unaddressed mental health issues can lead to:

  • Increased sick leave and absenteeism
  • Presenteeism (showing up but not functioning at full capacity)
  • Higher turnover rates
  • Lower employee morale and engagement

In short, when mental health is ignored, productivity suffers—and so does your bottom line.

The ROI of Prioritising Mental Wellness

The good news? Investing in employee well-being isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for the business.

According to a two-year Oxford University study, companies that actively invested in employee well-being saw a 20% increase in financial returns. Employees who feel supported are more motivated, focused, and loyal.

Creating a psychologically safe and supportive workplace culture leads to:

  • Stronger team performance
  • Better retention and talent attraction
  • Higher levels of innovation and collaboration
Workplace mental wellness group therapy session with employees discussing stress management strategies with a professional

What Can Companies Do?

Mental wellness support can be implemented through three tiers of workplace interventions:

  1. Primary Prevention (for all employees)
    Designed to reduce the risk of mental health issues across the board:
  • Wellness workshops (e.g., stress management, sleep hygiene)
  • Mental health days
  • Mindfulness, yoga, or guided relaxation sessions
  1. Secondary Intervention (for at-risk employees)
    Targets individuals showing early signs of distress:
  • Mental health check-ins
  • Anonymous self-assessments
  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
  1. Tertiary Support (for employees with existing conditions)
    Provides direct, therapeutic support:
  • One-on-one counselling or therapy
  • Support groups or coaching sessions

Companies can also adopt:

  • Individual-level interventions, such as cognitive behavioural training, resilience building, or stress relief exercises

  • Organisational-level strategies, such as flexible work policies, better workload distribution, and promoting psychological safety in teams
Man peacefully sleeping in bed – promoting sleep hygiene and mental wellness as part of workplace health and stress recovery strategies

But What About Employees?

Even with supportive workplace policies, individuals also play a role in protecting their own mental health. Here are some practical tips:

  • Prioritise sleep – Aim for 7–8 hours per night to improve mood and cognitive performance
  • Set boundaries – Learn to say “no” to avoid burnout
  • Stay connected – Talk to friends, loved ones, or colleagues you trust
  • Take active breaks – Incorporate leisure and movement during the day
  • Seek help early – Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed

Mental health is like physical health—it’s easier (and more effective) to manage when addressed early.

How AnjouHealth Supports Companies?

At AnjouHealth, we partner with organisations to build a culture of care, performance, and well-being. We understand that no two teams are alike, so our mental health programmes are customised to meet your employees’ specific needs.

Here’s how we support you:

  • Tailored wellness workshops & talks
  • On-site or virtual mental health check-ins
  • Culture-building campaigns that foster empathy and belonging

Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, we help you turn employee care into business performance.

Mental health isn’t a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s a business essential. Companies that invest in well-being don’t just reduce burnout and absenteeism; they unlock better performance, loyalty, and long-term success.

If you’re ready to empower your people and build a healthier workplace, AnjouHealth is here to help. Get in touch with our team today to design a programme that supports both your people and your performance.