Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being—elements that influence how we feel, think, and act. It also impacts our capacity to manage stress, make decisions, and form relationships.

Globally, the integration of mental health support into workplace dynamics has gained momentum, as its impact on productivity and job satisfaction is more and more recognized.

But, according to the Asia Mental Health Index by Aon and TELUS Health, mental wellness remains a sensitive topic in Philippine workplaces, as problems tied to it are still seen as taboo.

Leaving it overshadowed by stigma and negative misconceptions, however, does more harm than good. To shatter this taboo surrounding mental health at work, we’ll tackle its complexities and how a constructive approach can lead to your company’s growth.

Filipinos’ attitudes about mental health in the workplace

Mental health issues are still prevalent in Philippine workplaces, as 78% of the country’s employees have a moderate to high mental risk profile.

Despite this alarming figure, discussions about the subject are typically avoided. A major contributor to this, according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, is the Filipino public’s beliefs about it.

Reasons for the mental health taboo in the Philippines

The Asia Mental Health Index breaks down the mental health stigma into three key aspects: public, institutional, and self. These influence why negative perceptions remain in Philippine workplaces.

Feelings of shame

63% of Filipino employees worry that their friends and family would treat them differently if they had a mental health issue. Since cultural norms often associate it with personal weakness, individuals conceal their struggles to avoid embarrassment.

Fear of being a burden

75% of Philippine workers worry employers would see them as liabilities after disclosing their mental wellness concerns, affecting their job security, progression, and limiting their options.

Need to present oneself in a certain way

Filipinos face the societal expectation of maintaining a facade of resilience and composure at all times. This pressure impacts their self-esteem and discourages open conversations about mental wellness.

57% of employees even say they’d feel negatively about themselves knowing they had a mental health issue.

Why the mental health stigma is harmful to businesses

Maintaining these negative views of mental well-being, however, can damage your organization:

Reduced productivity and engagement, higher turnover

60% of Philippine employees say their mental health impedes their productivity. Those experiencing problems due to work-related stress also partake in the following behaviors:

  • 54% work remotely to avoid coming to the office
  • 85% contemplate taking a break from work
  • 68% consider quitting

These indicate that failing to address the mental wellness stigma demotivates employees, pushing them to think of leaving your company and increasing your turnover risk.

Spikes in absenteeism and presenteeism

People struggling mentally at work can’t be expected to perform well or be as invested in their roles. They might not even feel like showing up at all.

A rise in absenteeism and presenteeism is a typical indicator. Think of how individuals suddenly take sick days or clock in late regularly—behaviors that are more evident in younger workforce demographics.

For example, a recent study found Gen Z in the United Kingdom (UK) missing the equivalent of one work day per week due to mental health issues.

Some even come to work unwell, thus becoming unproductive. Vitality, a health and life insurance company, even found the average UK worker feeling unable to work nearly 50 days annually!

Negative financial impact

As mentioned above, mental health problems hinder employee productivity, which hurts your organization’s performance. 71% of employers, in fact, acknowledge they adversely affect company finances, underscoring the importance of supporting mental well-being.

Damaged employer brand

Potential employees increasingly prioritize workplaces that emphasize mental wellness. Companies, however, that are known for poor mental health support will struggle to attract this talent.

Basically, allowing negative perceptions of mental health to linger results in workplace toxicity that deters prospective candidates and makes recruitment difficult. ​

Compliance risks

Overlooking workplace mental health can lead to legal challenges, especially with the signing of the Philippine Mental Health Law (Republic Act 11036). Employees may seek legal recourse if their concerns are ignored, leading to lawsuits and reputational damage.

Hindered organizational growth

As companies across the world adopt progressive mental health policies, those that cling to outdated views risk falling behind. Additionally, the issues we’ve tackled compound over time.

By leaving the stigma unchecked, your company lets problems persist and overlooks opportunities tied to workforce mental well-being.

Why breaking the mental health stigma is an investment

Flipping negative perceptions of mental health in the Philippines, meanwhile, delivers tangible benefits that support your organization’s growth:

Better engagement and productivity

By investing in proper support, like mental wellness programs, you enable employees to function well, therefore minimizing absenteeism and presenteeism.

Such initiatives also equip them to handle work-related stress, maintain sound mental states, and show your commitment to their overall welfare. As a result, they’ll reciprocate your efforts by being more invested in their roles and contributing to company success.

Improved brand reputation and talent acquisition

Organizations known for their dedication to worker well-being harbor an appealing image, particularly for clients and partners who value ethical and progressive practices. This opens doors for more business opportunities.

Additionally, it’s not only Gen Z and Millennials that now consider mental health when pursuing a career. 92% of workers, in fact, say it’s very (57%) or somewhat (35%) important that their company values their psychological and emotional wellness.

Simply put, putting workplace mental health at the forefront of your employee initiatives lets you attract talent effectively.

Higher employee retention

Seeing how 68% of workers in the Philippines consider quitting when overwhelmed by work stress, it’s imperative that they be given resources to handle it. This is extremely beneficial for job satisfaction and retention.

Better financial performance

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 12 billion working days per year are lost to anxiety and depression worldwide, costing organizations an astounding $1 trillion!

Work environments that support mental wellness, however, enable productivity and mitigate the financial risks, even those associated with high turnover.

Caring for employee mental health can yield a significant return on investment (ROI) as well. The WHO, in fact, found that investing in anxiety and depression treatment results in a fourfold return!

Positive organizational culture

Shattering negative perceptions of mental health nurtures a more constructive workplace. Through open discussions, employees can share challenges, as well as encourage collaboration and mutual support. This empathetic culture also cultivates better team dynamics.

How Elevate Minds destigmatizes mental health

To normalize mental wellness in Philippine workplaces, you can work with a partner that effectively integrates the necessary programs into your organization.

Elevate Minds takes a thorough approach to mental health. Each of our programs aren’t only designed to equip employees with knowledge and awareness about the subject, but also nurture them entirely.

Create psychologically safe environments

Our Psychological Safety Program cultivates mentally healthy workplaces where teams can freely express thoughts and ideas, all without fear of judgment or reprisal. It aims to help establish a culture that values open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Help employees navigate life’s challenges

Trying times erode productivity and overall well-being. Our Anxiety and Stress Management Program lets individuals traverse them calmly, confidently, and resiliently.

Through it, they can learn how to identify triggers, establish positive mindsets, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Employees can, for instance, learn relaxation and mindfulness practices that seamlessly fit into their routines.

Our Emotion Regulation Program functions in a similar vein, providing people with practical tools that allow them to effectively grasp and manage their feelings.

Provide accessible professional services

44% of employees in the Philippines say cost is the biggest barrier to getting mental health support. With accessible options, however, you ensure all workers receive appropriate professional help, promoting their overall well-being.

Our Professional Mental Health Services include:

  • Counseling: These consultations let individuals speak to licensed counselors or certified coaches and receive guidance online. Thus, employees can get support for emotional, social, or behavioral challenges from the comfort of their own homes. 
  • Psychotherapy: To address more complex mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and the like, we connect employees to licensed psychologists for therapy sessions.
  • Psychiatric consultations: We introduce personnel to specialists in severe issues like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. These psychiatrists provide personalized treatment plans, including medication management, for effective care.

Wrapping up—Addressing the mental health stigma can propel Philippine companies toward growth

Breaking negative perceptions of workplace mental health isn’t just a moral imperative, but also a strategic business decision. By prioritizing employee mental wellness, Philippine companies can:

  • Enhance productivity
  • Improve their reputations
  • Attract and retain top talent
  • Enhance financial and organizational performance

You can begin this transformative journey by integrating programs that uplift employee mental well-being. If you’re looking for a partner that can jumpstart your efforts, simply get in touch. We’ll work with you to build a culture that puts mental health first!