How to Talk About Mental Health With Your Employees
Co-created by Intellect and EngageRocket.
Burnout is a leadership challenge. This practical, clinician-backed guide equips managers and team leads with the tools to hold meaningful mental health conversations that build trust, resilience, and psychological safety.
About This Guide
Most companies invest in wellness programmes, yet burnout remains high. Why? Because real change happens through everyday conversations.
Mental health starts when managers check in, listen with care, and respond with empathy. This guide, co-created by Intellect and EngageRocket, empowers managers to do exactly that.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Why burnout is rising even with better perks
- The communication gaps preventing real connection
- How to lead with care instead of control
- A 3-step framework for impactful mental health discussions
Whether you’re a new manager or an experienced leader, this guide helps turn routine interactions into meaningful moments of support.
Why This Guide Matters
The data paints a clear picture:
78%
of employees in Singapore report feeling burnt out
60%
say they’ve never talked about mental health at work
1.2%
of revenue per employee is lost to absenteeism and presenteeism
This guide gives leaders a practical path to spark real, supportive conversations that can shift team culture.
What You’ll Gain
This is not a theory-heavy whitepaper. It’s a hands-on manager playbook created by clinicians and workplace psychologists. Here's what you'll get:
Why teams stay silent:
Explore how self-stigma and societal stigma prevent open conversations, even in cultures that seem supportive.
How to lead with care:
Learn a 3-step framework: Seek to Understand, Show Empathy, and Offer Support. Includes a body language guide to help you notice early signs of burnout.
What to do in the moment:
Get a quick-reference checklist and a clear set of Do’s and Don’ts to guide respectful, effective conversations without overstepping boundaries.
Who This Guide is Meant For
This guide is made for anyone leading people and shaping culture:
- People Managers focused on team wellbeing and morale
- Team Leads facing challenges like burnout and disengagement
- HR Professionals scaling psychological safety across the organisation
- C-level Leaders and Culture Champions ready to lead by example
If you believe mental health belongs at the heart of leadership, this guide is your next step to building a more connected, resilient, and high-performing workplace.
