More than 300 million people around the world suffer from depression, according to a recent study by the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, the National Statistics Office said the Philippines has the highest number of depressed people in Southeast Asia.
The WHO said the workplace is one of the key environments that affects a person’s well-being and health.
However, globally, only 9 percent of mental health promotion and prevention programs are focused on the workplace. Here at home, for example, there are only two mental health care workers for 100,000 people.
“We spend at least nine hours a day at our workplaces. If it’s not a healthy environment for your mind, body, and soul, your output and morale will definitely suffer,” states Philippa Keys, ex-officio of In Touch Philippines.
In Touch Philippines is a non-stock, non-profit organization providing mental health services in the Philippines since the ‘80s.
“A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization revealed that the global economy loses up to 1 trillion US dollars annually due to lost productivity caused by mental health issues such as depression and anxiety,” says Keys.
According to Keys, the stigma attached to mental health disorders prevents those who suffer from talking about their issues.
“The ever-increasing demand to deliver more in the workplace in shorter timeframes is still prevalent across different industries. And it’s time for companies to play their part by providing an environment that opens the conversation on mental health.”
In Touch Philippines has extended help to hundreds of struggling employees through its Employee Well-being Program or EWP.
Among those who have availed of EWP from In Touch Philippines is media and creative agency Havas Ortega.
Havas Ortega partnered with In Touch Philippines to help its employees address the day-to-day challenges that affect their mental health. Through its partnership with In Touch, the organization created TALK program which provides every employee a dedicated 24/7 Employee Hotline as well as subsidized private counseling sessions.
Furthermore, resource speakers from In Touch Philippines’ pool of professional experts have enabled Havas Ortega to conduct monthly In-house Skill Builder Sessions to educate and empower the workforce on a range of topics such as “Mental Health Awareness and First Aid,” “Stress Management,” and “Finding Grit.”
“Employees are the most important asset in the company. Here at Havas Ortega, we want to make sure that we look after their health with a holistic approach, and that includes putting a premium on mental well-being,” says Havas Ortega chief executive officer Jos Ortega.
He adds, “At the end of the day, we want to keep them inspired and motivated. We want to ensure them that there is a solid support system to help them keep going.”
Havas Ortega’s internal mental health program claims to be the first of its kind in the local advertising industry.
For more information on In Touch Philippines’ Employee Well-being Program, call (02) 893-1893 or email intouch@in-touch.org.