We have signed and actively implemented relevant measures in accordance with the Mental Health Workplace Charter (MHWC), which encourages promoting communication among employees, strengthening interpersonal relationships and creating a harmonious and harmonious working environment.
Background
The Government is implementing a mental health promotion and public education program called "Shall We Talk" (the "Program"), aiming to build upon the achievements of the "Good Mood@HK" program and increase public awareness of mental health, ultimately achieving the goal of establishing a mental health-friendly society. This Mental Health Workplace Charter (the "Charter", MHWC) is part of the Program and is jointly organized by the Department of Health, the Labour Department, and the Occupational Safety and Health Bureau.
Objectives
The MHWC has three objectives:
Promoting mental health in the workplace, including building a respectful and positive work environment;
Promoting active listening and communication, encouraging help-seeking, and facilitating early identification and timely treatment of mental distress;
And
Creating an inclusive and friendly work environment for colleagues with mental distress.
Charter Declaration
"We value and are committed to promoting a mental health-friendly work environment."
After signing the MHWC, participants can complete a specified number of action items (numbered A to L) from 12 options to obtain the title of "Mental Health-Friendly Organization" or "Mental Health-Friendly Organization of Excellence."
Action
Promote mental health in the workplace, including building a respectful and positive work environment, promoting active listening and communication, encouraging seeking help, and assisting in the early identification and timely treatment of mental health issues (eight items in total, A to H). Create an inclusive and friendly work environment for colleagues experiencing mental health issues (four items in total, I to L).
For a complete list of actions items, please refer the table below.
| Item | Action | Examples |
| Objective I - To promote mental well-being at the workplace, which includes building a respectful and positive work environment, promoting active listening and communication, encouraging help-seeking, and facilitating early identification and timely treatment of mental distress (A-H, eight items) | ||
| A | Organise corporate family gatherings that facilitate exchange, as well as enjoyable and interesting activities | Organise corporate family fun days and festival celebrations Organise interest groups, voluntary activities (e.g. visits to residential care homes for the elderly), sport activities and other recreation activities |
| B | Organise talks/workshops/activities to strengthen the positive mind and mutual respect of staff during work | Arrange talks/workshops/activities regarding positive thinking, stress management, resilience building, listening, giving feedback and conflict resolution |
| C | Promote exchange of information on mental health | Raise awareness on common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression |
| D | Encourage help-seeking behaviour by providing information on mental health support services | Arrange for a hotline, counsellors and employee assistance programmes |
| E | Organise talks on mental health | Arrange for speakers with expert knowledge or personal experience to conduct in-depth discussions |
| F | Offer training to staff to equip them with basic skills in resolving conflicts, providing peer support and handling mental health emergencies | Organise or arrange for staff to attend training courses on mental health and communication skills. Provide guidance on offering peer support, covering topics such as the ways to start a conversation regarding mental health and listen with a respectful and non-judgmental attitude |
| G | Encourage colleagues to listen to each other and share mental health-related experiences | Encourage colleagues to listen to each other and share mental health-related experiences, e.g. sharing the ways they deal with stress, anxiety or depressive mood in a voluntary manner; senior staff members may also organise sharing sessions and lead the discussions |
| H | Introduce a mentorship scheme to facilitate exchange on mental health-related concerns | Make use of informal settings to listen, encourage help-seeking and promote healing |
| Objective II - To create an inclusive and friendly workplace environment for colleagues with mental distress (I-L, four items) | ||
| I | Assign a team/coordinator to implement the measures committed | Arrange for a staff member or team to follow up on the action items committed by your organisation and collect feedback |
| J | Formulate human resources policies to care for employees with mental health needs and provide them with an environment that facilitates their recovery | Arrange suitable positions/work environment for colleagues with mental health needs; build an environment that encourages colleagues to receive necessary medical treatment/attend training courses on mental health (e.g. setting flexible working hours); adjust work arrangements to help employees with mental health needs return to work |
| K | Implement measures to promote work-life balance | Implement a five-day week work mode; provide employees with incentives, special leaves (e.g. family care leave) or flexible working hours with regard to their personal development, interests, or special needs Avoid arranging for work outside office hours unless it is occasional and strictly unavoidable Prioritise work Communicate regularly with employees to better understand their individual needs and provide appropriate assistance |
| L | Offer job opportunities to persons recovered or recovering from mental health issues | Recruit the job seekers concerned through the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department or relevant non-governmental organisations |
A healthy workplace can improve staff morale and engagement, reduce staff turnover and improve relationships among employees, resulting in fewer conflicts and complaints. There are many effective actions that organisations can take to promote mental health in the workplace. We encourage organisations to sign the “Mental Health Workplace Charter” (MHWC) to create a mental health-friendly workplace environment together.
Welcome to visit the "Mental Health Workplace Charter" website to learn more about mental health:
Further Reading
Hong Kong Human Resources Toolkit - Key Legal Considerations for Workplace Mental Health, CMHAHK （English Only）
