A new report indicates that more than a third of employees in Singapore are still grappling with significant mental health challenges, despite minimal improvements over the past few years. The 2025 TELUS Mental Health Barometer shows that 36% of employees reported being at high mental health risk in March 2025, down only slightly from 39% in April 2022. This ongoing trend highlights the growing need for employers to address the wellbeing of their workforce.
Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges Among Workers
According to the report, stress, anxiety, and isolation remain widespread among Singaporean workers. Specifically, 40% of employees report experiencing constant stress, while 33% suffer from anxiety and 33% feel isolated. These issues have worsened in recent years, as many employees face heightened mental strain. The report also found that 67% of workers feel burned out, with 27% attributing this burnout to their high workloads.
Disproportionate Impact on Women and Younger Workers
Women and younger employees are notably more affected by mental health issues. These groups report higher levels of anxiety and persistent feelings of disconnection compared to their peers. Additionally, financial stress, such as rising debt and economic instability, compounds the challenges workers are facing, intensifying the pressure on their mental wellbeing.
The Importance of Mental Health Support in the Workplace
The findings from the TELUS report emphasize the urgent need for organizations to adopt a more comprehensive approach to mental health support. Ensuring that employees feel recognized and supported is critical. However, 77% of employees reported not knowing or being unaware if their employer offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), with 17% claiming their employer does not provide mental health benefits. Of those who are aware of such initiatives, only 52% are satisfied with the coverage.
Tailored and Accessible Mental Health Resources
The report advocates for employers to offer more tailored and easily accessible mental health resources. These resources should cater to the diverse needs of employees, including options such as self-guided programs, phone support, digital tools, and in-person counseling. This approach ensures that workers at various stages of their mental health journey have access to appropriate support. Additionally, actively promoting and delivering these wellbeing programs is essential to raising awareness among staff.
The Role of Employers in Promoting Mental Wellbeing
Effective communication and engagement are crucial for promoting mental health support in the workplace. The report suggests that employers should provide varied communication channels to ensure all workers are informed of available resources, especially in times of crisis. Managers also play a key role in guiding their teams toward mental health support, making it essential for them to be educated on available programs and how to assist employees in accessing help.
The Business Case for Prioritizing Employee Mental Health
Organizations that prioritize employee mental health are likely to see several benefits, including improved mental health outcomes, increased productivity, greater job satisfaction, and enhanced retention rates. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that prioritizing wellbeing can reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, leading to cost savings and a positive return on investment. Additionally, organizations that foster a strong culture of mental wellbeing tend to experience improved morale and workplace culture.
Conclusion
Paula Allen, Global Leader at Research and Client Insight at TELUS Health, emphasized the “clear link” between employer support and improved mental health outcomes. “Healthy leadership and tangible support are essential for employees who experience better mental health and higher productivity outcomes,” Allen stated. This highlights the importance of employers taking actionable steps to support the mental wellbeing of their workforce, which ultimately benefits both employees and businesses alike.
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