Employers Urged To Introduce Employee Assistance Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Employers in the country have been urged to introduce the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to promote mental health in the workplace.
Making the call, member of the Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said such module has been proven to be effective in enhancing productivity and performance among employees.
"Mental health issues, particularly stress-related issues, among Malaysian employees are a serious matter which should be given attention so that problems such as depression and other mental health issues can be addressed," he said in a statement.
Productivity depended much on the mental health of employees, he added.
"Neglecting the mental health and psychosocial aspects in the workplace not only detrimental to the workers but also has bearing on the overall efficiency of an organisation," he said, adding that mental health promotion was in line with the country's aspiration to become a developed nation.
Mental illness contributed to the increase in global suicide rate, with one death recorded every 40 seconds, he added.
In Malaysia, the suicide rate has increased to between 19 and 20 persons for each 100,000 population compared to eight in 1980.
"No single country or individual is spared of mental health issues. This should be given attention just like any other health problems," he said.