New report shows lack of awareness of employers' mental health programmes
A third of employees in Singapore are still at high mental health risk, according to a new report, as many continue to seek wellbeing support from their employers.
The 2025 TELUS Mental Health Barometer revealed that 36% of employees remain at high mental health risk in March 2025, a minimal improvement from 39% in April 2022.
According to the report, employees continue to face constant stress (40%), anxiety (33%), and isolation (33%).
"In many Singaporean workplaces, issues like anxiety, isolation and chronic stress have become more widespread and deeply felt in recent years," the report read.
It further found that 67% of employees feel somewhat or extremely burnt out, with 27% citing their high workload as its source.
Women and younger employees are disproportionately affected and are reporting higher levels of anxiety and persistent feelings of disconnection.
"Financial stressors such as rising debt and economic instability are also compounding the strain on employee wellbeing," the report read.
Awareness of mental health benefits
The findings underscore the need for organisations to provide a more holistic approach to supporting mental health and ensuring employees feel seen and heard, according to the report.
However, 77% of employees said they don't know or say their employer does not offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP).
Another 17% also said they don't know or say their employer does not provide mental health benefits.
Among those who know about their employers' mental health initiatives, just 52% are satisfied with the coverage.
Tailored and easy-to-access mental health resources should be provided by employers to cultivate a better workplace culture, according to the report.
"EAPs should offer multiple access points including by phone, digital tools or in-person sessions to meet the needs of each unique worker, where they are in their mental health journey," the report read.
"Including self-guided or self-paced programmes can also engage individuals who may not be ready for 1:1 counselling."
Employers also need to excel at actively delivering and promoting their wellbeing programmes.
"Since the workforce is diverse, it's essential to consider varied communication channels to inform your workers of key resources available to them, especially when crises arise," the report read. "Enable managers to educate their team members and guide them on finding the support they need."
According to the report, organisations that make mental health a priority will see the following benefits:
- Improved employee mental health
- Increased employee productivity
- Enhanced job satisfaction and retention
- Lower absenteeism and presenteeism
- Cost savings and positive ROI
- Improved workplace culture and morale
Paula Allen, Global Leader at Research and Client Insight at TELUS Health, said their findings indicate a "clear link" between employer support and wellbeing.
"Healthy leadership and tangible support are essential for employees who experience better mental health and higher productivity outcomes, which every business owner strives for. This underscores the need for organisations to prioritise wellbeing," Allen said in a statement.
