The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines is calling on employers to expand their support systems by offering additional paid leave and flexible work arrangements to their employees.
Bienvenido Laguesma, Secretary of Labour and Employment of the Philippines, stressed the importance of extending paid leave benefits to employees who require further medical attention, in addition to the existing leave benefits provided for in company policies, collective bargaining agreements and the Labour Code.
Emphasising a collective approach, Laguesma said, “Employers and their employees have a shared responsibility to ensure the effective implementation of mental health policies and programmes. He also urged employers to ensure that their employees have access to effective mental health and self-care services.
To promote the mental health of employees, Laguesma encouraged employers to consider a range of measures, including flexible working arrangements, the adjustment of working hours, telecommuting options and other benefits. In addition, employers are now required to submit an annual medical report to their respective DOLE regional office detailing the number of mental health cases treated or referred to providers.
It also stressed the importance of fostering a supportive work environment by implementing activities and programmes that promote mental health awareness and well-being among employees.
For employees, the DOLE advised them to avail of health services and facilities accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance System if they need further evaluation of their mental health, Philstar reported.
