The conversations around mental health have escalated in recent years globally. As a result, mental health issues and neurodivergence are recognized globally and people with mental health issues can get the support they need to live their best lives on time.

However, in our country, mental health discussions are still somewhat taboo. 

While the topic is being more widely discussed than ever before we are still years behind in the mental wellness area, mental health is a neglected subject, especially in the workplace and this needs to change. 

The Mental Health Crisis in Pakistan

Pakistan, like many other countries, faces a growing mental health crisis. But, unlike other countries, ours is doing very little to solve it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 24 million people in Pakistan suffer from mental disorders, and this number is rising rapidly. 

Despite the widespread prevalence of these issues, mental health remains a taboo subject in Pakistani society, often stigmatized and misunderstood. This cultural stigma leads many individuals to suffer in silence, avoiding treatment or even acknowledging their struggles.

The lack of mental health resources exacerbates the problem. With only one psychiatrist for every 100,000 people and a severe shortage of trained psychologists, Pakistan’s mental health infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the growing need for support. 

This scenario places a significant burden on individuals, making the case for workplace interventions, such as mental wellness leaves, even stronger.

Understanding Mental Wellness Leaves

A mental health leave, is a kind of workplace time off that employees take to focus on their mental health. Unlike traditional sick leave, which is typically used for physical ailments, mental wellness leave acknowledges that mental health is just as critical as physical health. It allows employees to take time off to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions without fear of judgment or job insecurity.

Countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia have already embraced the concept of mental wellness leave, with some companies even offering unlimited mental health days to their employees. These policies have been shown to improve overall employee well-being, reduce burnout, and increase productivity.

The Conservative Corporate Culture of Pakistan

Corporate culture in Pakistan is traditionally conservative, with a strong emphasis on productivity and efficiency. This often leads to a high-pressure work environment where long hours and relentless deadlines are the norm. Unpaid overtime is also very common in jobs and often saying no to unpaid overtime is not an option.

Unfortunately, such a culture can contribute to increased stress and burnout among employees, ultimately harming both their mental health and their performance at work. This also creates overall resentment towards the work and the workplace, causing employees to detach and work just for the sake of earning a living instead of trying to form a bond and a community in the workplace and taking ownership of the company.

A survey by McKinsey found that toxic workplace behavior is a dominant factor leading to these mental health issues in Asia, with a significant percentage of employees in countries like India reporting high levels of burnout and intent to leave their jobs​. In Pakistan, where similar workplace cultures prevail, these factors are likely to be contributing to the mental health crisis.

Despite the growing awareness of mental health issues globally, many Pakistani companies still do not recognize the importance of mental wellness. According to a survey conducted by the Pakistan Society for Human Resource Management (PSHRM), only a small percentage of companies in Pakistan offer any form of mental health support to their employees. This lack of support can lead to a toxic work environment, where employees feel overworked, undervalued, and unsupported.

The Business Case for Mental Wellness Leaves

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Just like physical health, mental health also impacts an individual’s ability to perform well at work.

Introducing mental wellness leaves is not just an ethical responsibility.

Mental health impacts morale, productivity, stress, energy levels, and best of all it’s good for business. Companies that prioritize employee well-being tend to have more engaged, productive, and loyal employees. 

According to the World Economic Forum, businesses that focus on holistic wellness, including mental health, gain a competitive advantage, particularly in the post-pandemic world where work-life integration has become more challenging.

Mental wellness leaves can help reduce burnout, lower employee absenteeism, and improve employee morale. They provide employees with the necessary time to recover from mental stress and seek professional help if needed, leading to a more resilient and motivated workforce.

And in addition to all that, mental health leaves and initiatives also attract top talent and boost brand reputation. These Initiatives show that a company cares for the well-being of its employees which gives the company’s brand a significant boost.

Steps for Businesses to Enhance Employee Mental Health

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To successfully integrate mental health initiatives like mental wellness leaves into corporate policies companies need to be proactive and create a safe space for their employees. To improve overall mental health among employees companies in Pakistan can follow these steps:

Promote Open Dialogue Around Mental Health 

Building a workplace culture that supports mental wellness starts with leadership. Companies should encourage open dialogue about mental health to reduce the stigma that often surrounds these issues. 

This involves training managers and supervisors to recognize signs of mental health struggles and respond empathetically. When leaders openly discuss mental health and share their own experiences, it sets a precedent for the entire organization, making it easier for employees to speak up and seek help. 

Additionally, organizing workshops and mental health awareness campaigns can further normalize the conversation and make mental wellness a shared priority within the company.

Develop Clear Policies

To effectively implement mental wellness leaves, companies need to establish clear and comprehensive policies. These policies should outline the eligibility criteria, the duration of the leave, and the process for requesting time off. 

Transparency is key—employees should be fully aware of their rights and the support available to them. A well-defined policy ensures consistency and fairness in its application, preventing any potential misuse while reassuring employees that their mental health is taken seriously. 

It’s also essential that these policies are communicated regularly through employee handbooks, training sessions, and internal communications.

Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Beyond offering leave, businesses should provide access to mental health resources that support employees in managing their well-being. 

This can include partnering with mental health professionals or organizations to offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide confidential counseling and support services. On-site mental health workshops, wellness programs, and regular check-ins with mental health experts can further help employees address their mental health needs. 

Offering these resources shows a commitment to long-term mental wellness, rather than just addressing issues when they become critical.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a crucial aspect of mental health. Companies can promote this balance by offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and manageable workload expectations. Encouraging employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation days, and avoid excessive overtime helps prevent burnout. 

Monitor Mental Wellness Initiatives

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Finally, it’s important to continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mental wellness initiatives. This can be done through regular employee surveys, feedback sessions, and health outcomes assessments. 

Adjustments should be made based on this feedback to ensure that the initiatives remain relevant and effective. This ongoing evaluation process demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in employee well-being.

Success Stories and Best Practices

Several companies worldwide have successfully implemented mental wellness initiatives that could serve as models for Pakistani businesses. For example, companies in Japan have started offering mandatory stress checks for employees, helping to identify and address mental health issues early on. 

In the United States, companies like Google and Microsoft offer extensive mental health benefits, including wellness leaves, counseling services, and on-site therapists.

In Pakistan, a few forward-thinking companies have begun to recognize the importance of mental wellness. For instance, some have started offering flexible work hours, mental health days, and access to counseling services. Companies such as Data Pilot and TheSquarePeg are offering dedicated yearly leaves to their employees. 

CaterpillHers a career accelerator offers 20 days of sick leaves along with 12 days of mental health and period leaves. The best part about this is that they don’t require any prior approval for these designated leaves. 

These initiatives have shown promising results, with employees reporting higher job satisfaction.

The Way Forward: End Note

For Pakistan to address its mental health crisis, companies must take proactive steps to prioritize mental wellness. Introducing mental wellness leaves is a crucial first step.

In conclusion, the need for mental wellness in Pakistani companies is clear. As the mental health crisis continues to grow, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating a more supportive, empathetic, and healthy work environment. By prioritizing mental wellness, companies can ensure that their employees are not just surviving but thriving in the workplace.