MOM, however, admits that well-being gains remain untracked
Singapore's workplace mental health initiative has expanded dramatically since its launch, but the government acknowledges it cannot yet measure whether the programme is producing real change on the ground.
The Well-Being Champions Network (WCN) has grown to 800 companies, encompassing more than 2,000 champions and covering an estimated workforce of 300,000 employees.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) disclosed the figures in Parliament in response to a question filed by MP Yip Hon Weng.
"The WCN has gained significant traction since its launch in 2023, growing steadily from an initial 145 companies to 800 today, comprising over 2,000 champions and covering an estimated workforce of 300,000 employees," MOM said in the response.
The WCN was set up to give well-being champions access to resources and training to strengthen their knowledge on safeguarding mental well-being at work.
Champions are expected to rally senior management to implement supportive policies, organise mental health programmes and activities, and establish referral systems for employees in distress.
MOM had long encouraged employers to identify mental well-being champions following findings that Singapore loses S$15.7 billion in productivity annually due to anxiety and depression. The WCN formalised that push by creating a structured community of practice for peer exchange and capability building.
To encourage participation, however, MOM said it does not require member organisations to report on mental well-being performance.
"Thus, data on help-seeking behaviour, workplace stigma, and employee retention is not available," it said.
Protections for workers remain limited for now
Yip had also asked whether workers who suffer career disadvantage after disclosing a mental health condition are tracked.
MOM pointed to the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) as the primary recourse, noting the body received fewer than five complaints related to disability and mental health per year over the past five years.
The ministry added employers are expected to abide by the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices, which require employment decisions to be grounded in objective, job-relevant criteria.
Stronger statutory protections are on the way: the Workplace Fairness Act, set to take effect in 2027, will explicitly prohibit adverse employment decisions based on mental health conditions.
