Study finds majority of Filipinos are experiencing mental health challenges due to toxic work culture

According to mental health firm MindNation, more than half of Filipino workers have experienced mental health challenges during the pandemic and considered quitting their jobs.

Of the study’s 6,000 respondents, 53% said they worry about health risks and financial pressures.

“Now that the boundaries between personal life and work are blurred with people working from home, employees are working more than they did pre-pandemic when they were onsite with colleagues,” said MindNation. 

The survey, conducted between September and April, also found that respondents were experiencing weakened focus and low levels of self-confidence. Employees also reported sleeping problems and experiencing less pleasure in activities they normally enjoy.

Mental health challenges led 13% of respondents to consider taking more sick leaves, while 35% believe their productivity has been impaired.

“The ones having productivity issues are losing an average of two hours every day. This means that these employees are losing one day per week, which translates into a loss of two months a year due to their productivity challenges,” said MindNation.

Moreover, almost a quarter of the respondents said they are thinking about quitting due to mental health challenges.

“When we factor in the employees who are really challenged with mental health issues and think about quitting, it becomes 5% of the total employee base in every company,” said MindNation

MindNation said that these concerns could cost companies at least ₱700,000 per 100 employees each year, based on 262-days of work a year and a $30 daily average salary.

“Losing talent is a significant failure to the company as it takes days to find a replacement for a vacated position. This also entails additional time and effort from the organization as a new hire requires onboarding and training,” said MindNation.

In countries like the US, resignations hit record numbers with more than four million Americans quitting their jobs in April.

MindNation noted that employee assistance programs in the Philippines have low usage rates and are not always accessible.

The firm added that companies should increase the reach of mental health services for employees because they are usually made available to a small part of a company’s population.

“It is crucial to be proactive (instead of) reactive in mental health and wellbeing challenges, providing a safe space where employees can open up the moment they need it, rather than waiting until it is too late,” said MindNation.

SOURCE: Business World