Mental health benefits are non-negotiable for SEA employees

The Intellect and Milieu Insight report, How Does Workplace Wellbeing Support Impact Talent Acquisition and Retention?, reveals that one in five job seekers in Southeast Asia will not accept a job offer unless it includes mental health benefits, unless they are offered a substantial pay increase of at least 29%. This finding underscores the growing importance of mental health support in the workplace, particularly as 40% of employees report feeling a lack of work-life balance.

“Employers in Southeast Asia are starting to make mental health benefits accessible, but an Employee Assistance Programme is not the be-all and end-all,” said Theodoric Chew, co-founder and CEO of Intellect.

“These benefits need to be reinforced by strong leadership, supportive policies, and a culture that prioritises wellbeing. Ultimately, a company’s wellbeing strategy is only as strong as the culture and leadership behind it. When businesses foster truly supportive environments, they empower employees to thrive, stay engaged, and reach their full potential.” Theodoric Chew

Key findings

1. Mental health benefits as a priority: While external mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are valued, internal factors such as supportive leadership and a healthy workplace culture are increasingly influential in job decisions.
2. Employee wellbeing concerns: Nearly half of the surveyed employees reported feelings of exhaustion, with the Philippines showing the highest levels at 60%. Despite this, 72% rated their mental health as 'good' to 'very good', indicating a potential disconnect between self-perception and actual wellbeing.
3. Demand for mental health resources: Two-thirds of employees utilised mental health support tools last year, highlighting a significant demand for these resources. However, many employers are still lagging in providing adequate mental health benefits.
4. Financial incentives still matter: A substantial 65% of employees indicated they might accept a job without mental health benefits if the pay increase was significant enough, with the average required increase being 29%. Thailand's employees reported needing a staggering 50% increase to consider such a switch.

The importance of internal support

The study emphasises that while mental health benefits are crucial, employees place greater value on leadership and workplace culture. Support from peers (45%) and direct managers (20%) is seen as more impactful than external benefits alone. This suggests that HR teams should focus on enhancing leadership capabilities and creating psychologically safe environments rather than relying solely on external perks.

HR is not in the picture

As the job market evolves, companies that prioritise mental health benefits alongside strong leadership and a supportive culture will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent. The findings highlight the necessity for businesses to bridge the gap between offering mental health resources and fostering an environment where employees feel genuinely supported.