This study aimed to explore the context and perspectives of business leaders on mental health and related services in the workplace from private industries in Iloilo City, Philippines. It utilized a convergent mixed methods design. Fifty-three business owners, chosen through convenience sampling, answered an online, three-part questionnaire. For the qualitative strand, seven participants took part in the key informant interviews. The researcher interpreted to what extent and in what ways the quantitative and qualitative datasets converged or diverged from each other. Results showed a positive perspective in the participants’ awareness on and attitude towards mental health in the workplace. Findings were neutral as to mental health being identified as a concern at work in general and during the pandemic. The participants agreed that mental health services were costly and difficult to access. Although they agreed that workplace mental health is a priority, the investment dilemma surrounding mental health resources created conflicting sentiments among firms. Despite the majority (77%) not having implemented any workplace mental health service or program in the past, businesses used internal organizational practices to promote well-being. However, despite their intentional efforts, it is debatable whether their intrinsic motivation for doing so truly aligns with a mental health perspective or driven primarily by productivity concerns. Business leaders viewed employee assistance program as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible, regardless of their business profile. Qualitative findings emphasized the importance of contextual factors, such as organizational priority, leadership style, employee characteristics, and company culture, in implementing workplace mental health interventions.

Authors:
Mitz Serofia, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Philippines
Japhet Fernandez de Leon, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Mitz Serofia is an incoming fourth year Psychiatry resident at West Visayas State University Medical Center in Iloilo City, Philippines.

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