The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong pointed out that high work pressure affects productivity and flexible working hours can help boost morale

Hong Kong people generally work long hours and are under great pressure. The Hong Kong Mental Health Association said that job burnout will have a negative impact on the productivity of companies, including increased sick leave and resignation intentions.

A survey conducted by the association in collaboration with Tung Wah College found that the "Mental Health First Aid Course" introduced in Australia has helped improve the mental health of employees, and it is hoped that it will be included in training courses in all workplaces.

The association recommends the establishment of a "mental health workplace policy", including the establishment of flexible working hours, etc., to enhance employees' sense of work commitment and overall morale, thereby enhancing productivity.

From left: Wong Man-shin, Assistant Director-General of the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Lam Tak-ming, Vice President (Academic) of Tung Wah College (Photo provided by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong)

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong has recently cooperated with Tung Wah College to launch the "Workplace Mental Health Intervention Program". From May 2021 to April 2022, 456 full-time people who participated and completed the program were interviewed.

Participants were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. According to the research results, compared with the control group, the intervention group had a 6% increase in the correct perception of mental problems and an 8% increase in the desire to seek assistance after participating in the mental health first aid course.

In terms of participants' mental health, the average stress index of the intervention group after participating in the training course was 6.7, which was significantly lower than the control group's 7.5.

The Mental Health First Aid course was introduced in Australia. It includes units on stress reduction and prevention of job burnout. It is divided into online learning platforms and physical courses, including understanding the importance of promoting mental health in the workplace, and the causes of depression and anxiety. ; and will practice how to apply mental health first aid skills, and conduct case discussions and exercises.

After completing the training course, employees will undergo a mental health assessment again to see the effectiveness of the programme in enhancing mental health literacy and reducing stress.

From left: Wong Man-shin, Assistant Director-General of the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Lam Tak-ming, Vice President (Academic) of Tung Wah College (Photo provided by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong)

Professor Lin Deming, Vice President (Academic) of Donghua College, who led the project, said that the results have proved that the plan can effectively improve employees' mental health literacy and mental health. It is recommended that the government incorporate the plan into the occupational safety and health regulations and make it a training course for all workplaces. Workplace mental health concerns.

Mr. Wong Min-shin, Assistant Director-General of the Hong Kong Mental Health Association, said that past research has shown that job burnout can have a negative impact on corporate productivity, including increased sick leave and willingness to quit.

He pointed out that a mentally healthy and friendly working environment can enhance employees’ sense of engagement and overall morale, thereby increasing productivity.

He suggested that companies should formulate a "mental health workplace policy", including including employee participation in important decision-making, encouraging workplace recreation and sports culture, establishing flexible working hours, etc., and also providing employees with employee support service plans, such as providing free psychological services. Counselling services, mental health related workshops, etc.

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