Finding the right work-life balance can be tough for workers in Singapore, especially with the added uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and prolonged work-from-home arrangements.

But workers could get some support for their mental health issues when the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Health is published in the fourth quarter of this year, according to Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad.

Advisory is currently undergoing consultation

In response to a question raised by member of parliament Melvin Yong Yik Chye on Oct. 6, Zaqy responded that the advisory is currently undergoing consultation with employers, unions, mental health professionals, and civil society groups.

He also added that employers can currently refer to the "Inter-agency advisory on supporting mental well-being of workers under COVID-19 work arrangements" that was published earlier this year in April to support their workers' mental health.

Zaqy also added one way how employers can help their employees with regard to their mental health:

"Employers can also initiate support for their workers. For instance, supervisors can check in regularly with their workers, talk to them to find out if they're facing any problems, and refer them to external help if needed."

"Right to disconnect" legislation raised by Yong

In a follow-up question to Zaqy, Yong asked if the Ministry of Manpower could consider incorporating aspect of the "right to disconnect" legislation in the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Health.

Yong explained that the "prolonged telecommuting arrangements have blurred boundaries between the home and the office for many of our workers" and that many work increasingly long hours, with emails, calls and messages pouring in after regular work hours.

Zaqy acknowledged Yong's point and responded that while the work-from-home arrangement has changed the way we work, a "right to disconnect" legislation could be irrelevant or rigid in Singapore's context, as some workers work across time zones and might need to work later nights.

He also cited that workers with children rely on flexibility to send or pick their children to or from school or childcare.

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