The Singapore government has started a new platform where "well-being champions" can exchange ideas and best practices on how to foster workplaces that are supportive of mental health.

The Well-being Champions Network aims to provide these individuals access to resources and training that will strengthen their knowledge on safeguarding mental well-being, according to Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang.

Starting January, the champions will have access to training aligned with the Tier 1 skills in the National Mental Health Competency and Training Framework.

Advanced training modules, such as knowledge and identification of mental health disorders, will also be progressively added.

"We have started the Well-being Champions Network to create stronger momentum for more employers to create supportive workplaces," Gan said during the network's launching event held this week.

Role of 'well-being champions'

The minister underscored that these champions will be essential in rallying senior management to implement policies supporting employees' mental well-being.

They are also critical in organising and curating activities, programmes, and resources that will enhance the mental health of the workforce.

They are also expected to establish a system where people in distress can be referred to for professional health.

"I cannot emphasise enough the important role that you play," Gan said. "This is why the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Workplace Safety and Health Council have launched this network to better support you in this journey forward."

MOM has long encouraged employers to identify mental well-being champions in their organisations following findings that Singapore is losing S$15.7 billion in lost productivity annually due to anxiety and depression.

Currently, the newly launched Well-being Champions Network has 50 founding members from various organisations.

"Your membership will be especially helpful to the many more companies out there that are just starting out in their mental well-being journey at the workplace," Gan said. "As founding members, you play an important role in paving the way for the cross-sharing and testing of ideas that the government can work closely with citizens on."

Expanded TA on Mental Health

In the same event, Gan also announced that the Tripartite Advisory (TA) on Mental Health and Well-being has been expanded.

The expansion includes new practices, such as creating a peer support system and hiring job-ready individuals with mental health conditions, that employers can carry out for their organisation.

"This is a timely expansion to include mental well-being practices that are reasonable and meaningful to be implemented at workplaces," the minister said.