The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines has issued a call to employers, urging them to enhance their support systems for employees by offering additional paid leave and embracing flexible work arrangements to promote employee wellbeing.
Bienvenido Laguesma, Secretary of Labour and Employment in the Philippines, stressed the significance of extending paid leave benefits to employees requiring additional medical attention, supplementing the existing leave entitlements specified in organizational policies, collective bargaining agreements, and the Labour Code.
Laguesma advocated for a collaborative approach, stating, “Employers and their employees must jointly shoulder the responsibility for the effective implementation of mental health policies and programs.” He further urged employers to ensure that their workforce has access to effective mental health resources and self-care services.
In pursuit of bolstering employee mental health, Laguesma encouraged employers to consider a range of measures. These include flexible work arrangements, modifications to work hours, options for telecommuting, and other relevant benefits. Additionally, employers are now mandated to annually submit a medical report to their respective DOLE regional offices, detailing the number of mental health cases handled or referred to healthcare providers.
Laguesma also underscored the importance of fostering a supportive workplace environment, emphasizing the implementation of activities and programs that raise awareness of mental health and promote wellbeing among employees.
For employees seeking further evaluation of their mental health, DOLE advised them to leverage healthcare services and facilities accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance, as reported by Philstar.
This call to action by the Department of Labour and Employment signals a significant step toward addressing and prioritizing mental health in the workplace, reflecting a growing recognition of the critical role employers play in supporting their employees’ overall wellbeing.
