Employee mental health is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of workplace well-being worldwide. However, in Sri Lanka, discussions around mental health remain largely stigmatized, especially in corporate settings. While some companies have started offering wellness programs, many employees feel these initiatives are merely token gestures rather than genuine efforts to address workplace stress, burnout, and mental well-being.
Are Companies Taking Mental Health Seriously?
Despite a growing awareness of the importance of mental health, many Sri Lankan organizations still struggle to integrate meaningful support systems for employees. Vishva Gonaduwa (2024) has identified several challenges that contribute to this:
- Cultural Stigma – Mental health issues are often misunderstood, with employees fearing judgment or career setbacks if they seek help.
- Lack of Awareness – Many employers do not recognize mental well-being as a business priority, focusing only on physical health benefits.
- Workplace Stress – High workloads, long hours, and rigid hierarchies contribute to stress, yet few organizations provide structured mental health support.
- Inadequate Policies – While some companies offer wellness programs, these are often limited to sporadic yoga sessions or stress management workshops with no long-term impact.
https://youtu.be/Fv_o-A0lX88
What Can HR Do to Create a Healthier Work Environment?
HR departments have the power to transform workplace culture and promote a healthier, more supportive environment. Julianne Siromani (2023) has found that implementing the following strategies can make a significant difference:
- Normalize Mental Health Conversations
Creating an open dialogue about mental health reduces stigma. Companies should provide training for managers and employees to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and burnout while fostering a culture where seeking help is encouraged.
- Offer Professional Support
Organizations should provide access to mental health professionals through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), confidential counseling services, or partnerships with psychologists and therapists.
- Introduce Flexible Work Policies
A rigid 9-to-5 work structure may not be suitable for everyone. Allowing remote work, flexible hours, and mental health leave can help employees maintain a better work-life balance.
- Train Managers to Support Mental Well-being
Managers play a critical role in shaping workplace culture. Providing them with the skills to identify and address mental health concerns ensures employees receive the support they need.
- Implement Comprehensive Wellness Programs
Instead of one-off initiatives, companies should establish holistic wellness programs that include stress management workshops, mindfulness training, peer support groups, and workplace wellness challenges.
Mental Health Initiatives in Sri Lanka
While mental health in Sri Lanka remains a largely stigmatized topic, there have been some positive steps taken in the right direction by local companies:
- Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC)
CTC has taken significant steps in prioritizing mental health with their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program provides confidential counseling services to employees facing stress, personal issues, or mental health challenges. The company also runs workshops and seminars to raise awareness about mental health, helping to reduce stigma and teach employees how to manage stress and improve their overall well-being. By offering these resources, CTC ensures that employees feel supported in both their professional and personal lives (LMD, 2024). - Hemas Holdings
Hemas Holdings has launched a comprehensive wellness program that includes a strong focus on mental health. Their initiatives involve mental health awareness programs, stress management workshops, and mindfulness training. The company also provides counseling services and other resources to help employees cope with workplace stress. Hemas understands the link between employee well-being and productivity and has created a supportive environment where employees can freely discuss mental health challenges without fear of judgment (Derana, 2016).
Figure 1. Hemas launches comprehensive wellness program for employees, 2016
A New Era for Workplace Mental Health
For Sri Lankan workplaces to evolve, mental health must be prioritized as much as physical health. Companies that invest in meaningful mental well-being initiatives not only foster a healthier workforce but also enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve overall job satisfaction. Addressing mental health should not be an afterthought, it should be a core part of every organization’s HR strategy.
References
Derana, A., 2016. Hemas launches comprehensive Wellness Program for employees. [Online]
Available at: https://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/hemas-launches-comprehensive-wellness-program-for-employees/
[Accessed 27 March 2025].
Gonaduwa, V., 2024. The Overlooked Crisis: Mental Health in Sri Lankan Workplaces and Communities. [Online]
Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/overlooked-crisis-mental-health-sri-lankan-workplaces-gonaduwa-deqyc/
[Accessed 27 March 2025].
LMD, 2024. CEYLON TOBACCO COMPANY. [Online]
Available at: https://lmd.lk/ceylon-tobacco-company-7/#google_vignette
[Accessed 3 March 2025].
Siromani, J., 2023. Prioritizing Mental Health in Sri Lankan Workplaces: Addressing Stigma, Enhancing Well-being, and Boosting Productivity.. [Online]
Available at: https://greatplacetowork.lk/prioritizing-mental-health-in-sri-lankan-workplaces/#:~:text=Cultural%20Stigma%3A%20Mental%20health%20remains,mental%20issues%20in%20the%20workplace.
[Accessed 27 March 2025].
Prioritizing mental health in the workplace helps create a supportive and productive environment. Companies like CTC and Hemas are leading the way with counseling, stress management, and awareness programs, setting a positive example for others to follow.
It is true that companies have to consider mental health on its employees , but Implementing mental health programs may require significant time, training, and financial investment, which can strain smaller companies .
You have provided a thorough and insightful look into the mental health challenges in Sri Lankan workplaces. Your suggestions for HR to normalize mental health conversations and offer professional support are spot on. It’s encouraging to see companies like CTC and Hemas leading the way with meaningful initiatives. This approach will definitely help break the stigma and create a more supportive work environment. Well done!
You’ve clearly explained the state of employee mental health in Sri Lanka in your blog post. From my perspective, companies that invest in meaningful mental well-being initiatives not only nurture a healthier workforce but also boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall job satisfaction. I appreciate the valuable insights you’ve shared and look forward to more content like this!
Mental health is a crucial component of workplace well-being. It’s encouraging to see that some Sri Lankan companies have started to offer wellness programs.
First of all, I want to thank you for initiating a discussion about the often-dismissed HR function in many organizations. Mental health is a crucial factor in improving work speed and efficiency. By regularly assessing their employees’ mental health and addressing any concerns, organizations can foster a positive work culture. This approach not only benefits the employees but also enhances overall productivity within the organization.
It’s encouraging to see companies like Ceylon Tobacco Company and Hemas Holdings leading the way in prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Their initiatives, such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and wellness programs, highlight the importance of creating a supportive and open environment for employees to discuss mental health challenges. In Sri Lanka, where mental health still carries stigma, these efforts are vital in shifting workplace culture toward greater well-being and inclusivity. By integrating mental health initiatives into HR strategies, organizations can not only enhance employee productivity and satisfaction but also create a healthier, more resilient workforce. This approach is a great step forward for improving the work environment across the country.
Great post! I really enjoyed reading it. The insights you shared were very informative and well-explained. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!
Employee mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of workplace well-being, especially in Sri Lanka. This blog sheds light on the need to break the stigma and integrate mental health support into HR practices.
Prioritizing mental health is essential for creating a healthier, more productive workplace. When companies focus on mental well-being, they not only support their employees but also see improvements in job satisfaction and performance. It’s something that should be at the heart of every HR strategy.
It is a particularly insightful article on how societal perceptions often discourage open discussions about mental well-being, leading employees to suffer in silence. HRM can facilitate by implementing mental health programs, offering confidential counseling services, and fostering an environment where seeking help is normalized and encouraged. By addressing mental health proactively, organizations not only support their employees’ well-being but also enhance overall performance and morale. I think by integrating mental health support into organizational policies, Sri Lankan companies can cultivate a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Addressing employee mental health is essential for building a supportive and productive work environment. HR professionals must move beyond symbolic initiatives and implement sustainable policies that promote open dialogue, professional support, and employee well being. Its Great to see companees like Tobacco and Hemas has already taken inatiatives towards their employee mental health improvements.