Mental fitness and its impacts on the workplace ecosystem
Recent studies have revealed that a significant number of employees in Singapore are dealing with burnout, while a large majority admit to feeling unenthusiastic at work. This is a result of inadequate support from organizations, particularly in the area of mental health. Rebecca Kane, founder of Evexia Collective, a business that specializes in mental wellness, points out that more companies in Singapore are recognizing the importance of caring for their employees' mental well-being. Research shows that 85% of Singaporeans are at risk of burnout and 62% are already experiencing burnout symptoms. However, only half of companies in Singapore are providing support.
There is a growing need for mental wellness initiatives in Singapore and Asia as more people are reporting stress. This results in over 700,000 missed workdays each year due to stress in Singapore alone, impacting not only businesses and the economy, but also healthcare and individuals' quality of life. By addressing employees' mental wellness, businesses can see improvements in sales, customer service and employee satisfaction.
This has not always been a problem for employees in Singapore but has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to longer working hours, added pressure for those working from home, and conflicts between personal and professional life. Mental fitness, which refers to the overall health, strength and resilience of the mind, is vital for employees to be successful in their roles. EVEXIA collective has developed a model that measures three key markers of mental fitness including calmness, focus, and energy levels. By understanding these markers, employers can better support their employees and create a healthier work environment.