Work rotation, scheduling seen to promote mental health

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure mental wellness of workers during this  global health emergency, the Department of Health (DOH) is promoting work rotation and proper work scheduling.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stressed the need for people, including employees, to find a balance between work and other aspects of life.

“We should promote work-life balance, especially in these trying times through proper scheduling of activities and workplace rotation,” she said in a virtual press briefing over the weekend.

Vergeire added that employers have the responsibility to improve the physical and mental resilience of their workers, noting that employers “must provide an adequate mental health program in the workplace.”

Whenever there are health emergencies, she said it is normal for people to face severe stress.

“Let us seek help from mental health professionals if we are experiencing any stress, anxiety or depression,” she also said.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) previously issued supplemental guidelines on workplace prevention and control of COVID 19, which requires establishments to implement all necessary safety and health programs at no cost to employees.

It said the workplace safety and health programs are meant to increase the physical as well as mental resilience of their workers during the pandemic.

As provided under the guidelines, DOLE said employers should provide their employees with psychosocial support, especially those presenting mental health concerns.

DOLE also mandates establishments to set up a referral system to mental health specialists or establish a network with accredited health facility. Establishments may also refer employees with mental health to telemedicine services or through the National Mental Health Crisis.