Mental Health: A Universal Human Right

In a world often driven by economic benchmarks and technological advancements, there lies a crucial yet frequently overlooked facet—mental health.?

As we come together to celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10th, AETOS stands proud of the collective strides made in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. This year’s theme, “Mental health is a universal human right”, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, serves as a timely call for organisations, including AETOS, to reinforce their commitment to championing mental health as a fundamental human right.?

This theme underscores the pivotal role that good mental health plays in our employees’ overall well-being, emphasising the significance of safeguarding against mental health risks, ensuring access to high-quality care and promoting inclusivity within the workplace.?

Committed to being a force for good, AETOS embraces a culture that values both psychological well-being and professional achievement. As an agile first mover in championing positive change, we aspire to lead by example. We firmly believe that promoting employee health and well-being not only creates a more productive and innovative workforce, but also aids in lowering healthcare costs and cultivating a safe and inclusive work environment—factors essential for sustainable growth and long-term success.?

Conversely, when mental health is neglected or compromised, it can have adverse effects on individuals and workplace productivity. High stress levels, anxiety and burnout can result in decreased motivation, absenteeism and a decline in overall performance. Untreated mental health issues may even escalate into more serious conditions, further impeding an employee's ability to function and contribute effectively to the team.?

In the security industry, mental health concerns are unfortunately often overlooked, despite their profound implications on security personnel who bear the responsibility of ensuring safety and grapple with high stress levels at work. Research conducted by the Union of Security Employees (USE) and SUSS’s Centre for Applied Research found that over 40 per cent of 1,002 surveyed security officers in Singapore reported experiencing verbal or physical abuse at work by members of the public. AETOS acknowledges this disconcerting issue and stands resolute in our commitment to improving the mental well-being of our employees.

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How We Uplift Our People

Recognising the vital connection between positive state of mind and productivity, AETOS prioritises the mental well-being of our employees by cultivating a work environment that is not only supportive but also inclusive—where everyone feels valued and acknowledged, regardless of their background.?

At AETOS, we have implemented robust programmes to address these aspects comprehensively. Take for instance, we have trained up and established a strong network of in-house well-being coaches to provide the necessary emotional care and psychological support for our employees. These well-being coaches provide invaluable help to their colleagues and peers beyond the workplace, aiding individuals in navigating personal challenges.?

The journey towards mental wellness is a joint endeavour that involves collaboration from diverse stakeholders. Our strategic partnerships with Home Team Agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Community Care Organisations like the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) have empowered our employees with essential mental well-being knowledge, including self-care and stress management techniques to better manage their emotions and stress levels. Other plans in the pipeline includes collaborating with our healthcare partner to implement a 24/7 helpline for employees, ensuring continuous and accessible support to safeguard their mental health.?

Through other efforts such as regular training and exchange of best-in-class practices, webinars and talks led by health and wellness experts, employee-led sports interest groups and provision of in-house gym facilities to promote physical and mental well-being, we are able to build a more resilient and healthy workforce, which is also aligned with the larger nation’s Healthier SG initiative and National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy that was recently launched.?

In our pursuit to foster a collaborative and engaging workplace culture, AETOS has also embraced Workplace by Meta as a digital internal communication platform. This platform serves as a comprehensive resource tool for employees as it not only provides self-help articles and resources dedicated to mental well-being, but also facilitates seamless connectivity among team members, round-the-clock access to company policies and latest news, and even allows direct communication with the highest level of the management team, ensuring that every voice within the organisation is heard.

As World Mental Health Day serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to prioritise mental health as a universal human right, AETOS’ core belief that our people are our greatest asset will continue to propel us to consistently refine our approach in creating a more inclusive and mentally resilient workforce.