Dear Malaysians, It's Okay to Take Mental Health Leave!

It’s high time we talk about the mental health leave in Malaysia. There’s no denying that most people are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, which heightened the mental health concerns of most Malaysians. These days, it isn’t surprising to hear of people feeling down because of the slightest disturbances or getting anxiety attacks due to current local and global events, including returning to the office.

Mental health is just as major a concern in the workplace as it is at home. Companies that truly care about their employees give importance to their holistic well-being, from physical and mental to emotional or social aspects. The pre-pandemic benefits and compensation packages might not cut it anymore. Companies should now take the crucial steps to promote measures that point to a more balanced life, which might include something as simple as adding indoor plants in a work area or taking a mental health leave from work.

Dissecting Mental Health Issues in Malaysia

More Malaysian companies are starting to implement mental health programmes after an observable need for them among employees. LUXASIA Group, an omnichannel distribution platform for beauty brands, has started to provide employees with an annual one-day mental health leave benefit to promote self-care in the workplace. 

Such a company recognises the value of talents and the precedence of their mental welfare before productivity. Because, really, how can an organisation expect a member to function well if their health is left unchecked? In 2020, Ogilvy Malaysia also launched an Employee Mental Health Program to aid employees in managing their anxieties. Part of the programme is access to a mental health clinic so members can undergo therapy whenever needed. But not all companies have taken action like LUXASIA Group or Ogilvy yet. This despite worrying numbers. 

In a National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted in Malaysia in 2019, a 2.3% national prevalence of depression among Malaysian adults was revealed. This totals to about 500,000 Malaysians, and the numbers might still be growing. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 12,000 calls to a government psychosocial hotline have been recorded. These realities have already urged Malaysia’s health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah to take action to destigmatise mental health issues. 

The situation becomes direr when an employer fails to extend support to their employees. Another local survey showed that up to 42% of a group of professionals did not receive any mental health support from their principals during the pandemic. 

What’s stopping Malaysian companies? 

Perhaps the notion is that once the pandemic is over and COVID-19 becomes endemic, everything will go back to normal. But what exactly is normal when it comes to mental health concerns, as these have been present even before the virus affected the world. Except, everyone became more alerted by the issue as the pandemic progressed: burnout became normal, and depression became common.

This is an issue that needs to be addressed institutionally, especially if companies want to retain their talents. Adapting to and implementing mental health awareness programmes should start with a governing body. At present, there is still no law that requires companies to provide mental health leaves. There are no specific regulations that prescribe how an employee can deal with mental issues, including if they should just use up their annual leaves to take a break.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 states that employers are liable to ensure the well-being of their employees. The focus here is the physical health of the employee, and nothing specific about mental health issues was stated, but the duty of companies to take reasonable action is implied. However, the Act also states that this is only possible so far as it is “practicable.” Still, there are limitations.

The challenge of discussing mental health in the workplace

Unsurprisingly, these challenges extend to the workplace. In many offices, discussing mental health issues within teams is still difficult. It is almost considered taboo to raise mental health concerns for these reasons:  

1. Worrying about being considered weak 

There is a stigma that anyone with a mental health issue is weak. Many connect one with the other without realising that low productivity may be an effect, or even a symptom, of the illness. This misconception champions the discrimination felt by struggling employees, and it’s something that needs to be debunked firmly. 

2. Feeling embarrassed about their situation

For someone already with anxiety, talking about it with other people might just double the trouble. This stems from the image that a person with mental health issues becomes branded a certain way. It isn’t uncommon for other people to act differently or treat you another way once they know about your issues.

3. Fearing losing their job 

Many avoid discussions in the workplace because they fear that it will negatively affect their jobs. Worse, they think it will increase the chances of not being promoted or being let go. Unfortunately, this fear stems from a form of discrimination present in some companies.

What can be done in the workplace to negate these concerns: 

• Encourage a culture that freely speaks out about their mental health concerns 
• Establish a mental health awareness program
• Open communication channels to talk about mental health issues
• Organise informative events to increase awareness
• Invite professionals and experts to discuss mental health matters
• Offer opportunities for screening 
• Support an individual’s initiative to seek help 
• Promote avenues to reach out for or offer help 

Explaining Mental Health Leave in Malaysia

A mental health leave is a type of leave of absence where an employee takes time off work because of a mental illness or other mental health concerns. Employees should consider this period as a way to press pause on their daily work routine and remove themselves from their accustomed environment, especially if it is already too toxic. Taking a mental health leave from work is a way to avoid worsening burnout due to increased productivity.

When to take a mental health leave

There are signs that you should look out for indicating if it’s time to apply for a mental health leave. However, remember that your situation is unique, and you might not find the reasons you are looking for from this list. But, this is still a dependable jumping point as you evaluate your current state:

• You find it difficult to focus on your day-to-day tasks and fail to accomplish assignments. 
• You struggle to submit quality work on time. 
• You avoid communicating with your colleagues and avoid being in the same room as them.
• You notice that relationships in the workplace and at home are suffering.
• You no longer find your job pleasurable, or you are not as passionate as you used to be.
• You shift your mood extensively throughout the day. 
• You react differently to the littlest disruptions. 
• You do not exert enough creativity to solve work problems. 
• You lack the enthusiasm to get to work and often come in late.
• You have trouble concentrating and shift your thinking negatively. 
• You feel like you’re just riding the waves and already running on an empty battery. 
• You observe physical manifestations of stress and anxiety. 

Asking for a mental health leave from work

Different organisations, different cultures–even when it comes to mental health. Just like with other types of leaves, companies have different sets of rules before an employee can avail of such. Some might require a proper medical certificate from a mental health practitioner, while others might allow emergency cases without prior notice.

The first step is to talk with your principal or manager. From here, you can discuss your options and make the best decisions that can better your mental health. Remember that this talk won’t be easy. It may even be anxiety-inducing for some. But just be honest and keep in mind that you are doing this for your well-being.

What to do during a mental health leave 

This is not a vacation, although you can go on a short getaway if you think that’s something that will help you. A mental health leave should still be set apart from a vacation leave or a sick leave, although their lines can easily blur. You are taking a mental health leave to heal and recover. This is a time to prioritise yourself and treat yourself to opportunities to recharge. Do what works best for you, whether that’s laying in bed the whole day, biking around your neighbourhood, or reaching out to a professional for help.

There are many other things to discuss about mental health leaves in Malaysia, but one thing is for sure–you are the priority. Take a mental health leave to put your passion back on track. Don’t do it for your job, your position, or any other reason related to your work. This is for you. Reclaim your story. 

Prioritising yourself also entails finding a workplace that supports your well-being. #LetsGetToWork and find the best job for your needs. You can start by updating your JobStreet profile and checking more tips on the Career Tools page.