Acknowledging the shifting behavioral and perceptual landscapes of recent years, organizations are increasingly recognizing the paramount importance of mental health. Larisa Beckhouse Okeke, Chief Marketing Officer (APAC) and Global Head of Insights at Cigna International Health, emphasized this at the HR Tech Festival Asia 2024.
Beckhouse highlighted the significance of discussing employee vitality and how organizations can foster and revitalize it. Drawing from studies such as the 2023 Ipsos Global Health Service Monitor and the Cigna 2023 Vitality Study, she revealed that 46% of respondents from Singapore identified mental health as the country’s most pressing health issue, with 87% reporting experiencing stress. Beckhouse refrains from interpreting these statistics as indicative of a growing crisis in mental health; instead, she posits that the crisis is already prevalent. “While these findings underscore the challenges individuals encounter, they may also signal a greater awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues, with more individuals now vocalizing their struggles,” she theorized.
It is imperative for HR professionals to discern the varying perspectives and treatment of mental health across different generations and tailor solutions accordingly. Gen Z employees, for instance, are more inclined to demand comprehensive mental health support integrated into health and well-being programs, followed by millennials and Gen X employees. Beckhouse attributes this to the recent emergence of mental health awareness, with younger generations being more vocal and receptive to seeking assistance compared to older generations.
Tailored solutions are essential. HR professionals can address stress and burnout symptoms directly for younger generations, while providing educational talks and resources for older generations to understand and manage these symptoms. “Employers should seek to understand the underlying causes of employee stress,” Beckhouse emphasized.
Beckhouse stressed the importance of comprehensive private health insurance covering mental health services and other mental well-being support, along with flexible work arrangements. Encouraging a culture that prioritizes employee well-being and fosters open communication about mental health challenges is crucial. This includes training managers to recognize signs of stress and burnout and facilitating regular check-ins between managers and employees to discuss workload and potential solutions.
“By offering holistic support and addressing evolving needs, employers can cultivate a highly engaged and healthy workforce, leading to increased productivity, resilience, fewer sick days, and reduced turnover,” Beckhouse advocated.
Hybrid work models are gaining popularity and can provide employees with better stress management options. Beckhouse noted that hybrid employees find their stress more manageable due to flexible work arrangements. However, engaging with hybrid employees on a personal level may be challenging due to limited in-person interaction. Beckhouse suggested strategies such as regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, virtual gatherings, and implementing accessible employee assistance programs and counseling services to mitigate feelings of isolation among remote workers.
