The Workplace Needs to Step Up on Mental Health to Match National Efforts

Mindline 1771 marks a turning point for well-being and a signal for the private sector to follow suit.

- Theodoric Chew

For shift-based employees at McDonald's Singapore, accessing face-to-face mental health support was challenging. The irregular working hours made it hard for staff to arrange counselling or therapy sessions.

In response, the fast-food company introduced resources such as five-minute self-care programmes, 30-minute online coaching and counselling sessions and a round-the-clock employee assistance programme helpline. This made it easier for workers to prioritise their well-being and access support when they needed it most. Among those who enrolled, 99 per cent engaged with the self-care sessions—comprising self-guided programmes that develop skills and support well-being—reflecting strong demand when support is both relevant and accessible.

Growing up in Singapore's demanding, competitive culture, "powering through" has often been worn like a badge of honour, but what we praise as commitment often hides a deeper issue: burnout.

The McDonald's outcome shows that when mental health support is thoughtfully implemented and backed by corporate leadership, it resonates with employees and has a meaningful impact. Yet such support by employers has not always been forthcoming.

That is why the launch of mindline 1771 in June, Singapore's first national helpline and textline service, marks an important shift in how we view and address mental health. The dedicated service is part of the nation's efforts to make mental health a key priority and was one of the proposals under the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy.

The service is significant as it represents a crucial step in making support more accessible—and the need has never been greater. According to the Ministry of Health's National Population Health Survey 2022, the prevalence of poor mental health among Singapore residents has increased since 2020. More than just a service, mindline 1771 represents a turning point in our national approach to mental health.