Kuala lumpur: Employers must recognise that creating a safe and supportive psychosocial work environment is not optional but a responsibility, said Mental Health Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He emphasized the importance of promoting open conversations about mental health without fear of stigma or discrimination, along with providing access to mental health resources, counselling, and employee assistance programs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee urged employers to train managers to recognize early signs of mental distress and respond with empathy while ensuring reasonable workloads, work-life balance, and fair treatment at all levels. He highlighted the necessity for organizations to establish clear policies to address workplace bullying, harassment, and toxic cultures.

Lee also stressed that employees should be encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being, seek help when needed, and support one another in fostering a culture of care and understanding. He called on the government and relevant authorities to further strengthen policies and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard mental health in the workplace, including integrating mental health into occupational safety and health frameworks.

He advocated for small and medium enterprises to adopt best practices in promoting mental well-being, emphasizing that breaking the silence surrounding mental health requires commitment from employers, employees, and society at large. "No one should have to suffer in silence. It is time we acknowledged that mental health matters at every workplace, at every level, and for every individual," he stated.

Lee noted that the theme "Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Matters at Work" serves as a call to action, pointing out that workplace conversations often focus heavily on productivity, performance, and profitability while mental health remains overlooked. He concluded by emphasizing that a mentally healthy workforce is more engaged, productive, and resilient, whereas poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, reduced performance, and increased healthcare costs, impacting not just organizations but also families and communities.