Sitel Group, one of the largest global providers of customer experience (CX) products and solutions, brought together a panel of mental health experts, advocates and volunteers for the second session of their regional Barkada Tambayan Summit entitled “Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace: Breaking the Stigma”. During the digital event, held over video conferencing and streamed live on Facebook, the panel discussed the importance of investing in mental wellness and creating programs in the workplace dedicated to mental health and mental health awareness.
The panel was hosted by Von Ballesteros, Operations Manager, Sitel® Philippines. Speakers included mental health champions Marie Curie O. de Pona, CEO, Shanti Helpline Center and St. Jude Training Center; Shyne C. Mangulabnan, Mental Health Advisor and Counselor, Infinit Care; and Leslie Dulfo, volunteer and co-convenor, Keep Going Baguio. To cap off the panel, mental health warrior and advocate and Global HR Reporting Analyst, Sitel Group, Ilka Eve Salvilla shared her personal mental health journey testimonial.
The panel focused on the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace and removing the stigma on mental health problems to facilitate open discussions and create workplace mental wellness programs.
Supporting mental health in the workplace is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity. The global health pandemic further exacerbated the problem and along with stress and work burnout arose depression, feelings of isolation and heightened anxiety.
“It’s more important than ever for people to take care of their mental health,” Mangulabnan said. “It’s always been important but we never opened up the conversations before. The pandemic has forced us to realize how much this impacts our lives. Real health is both physical and mental health together and we can no longer be silent about either one.”
Sitel Group understands the importance of mental wellbeing. Since the launch of the company’s worldwide health and wellness program SitelFit, the global BPO has been encouraging associates to make healthier choices, meet personal goals, and participate in charitable giving through fitness events.
In 2020 the SitelFit program grew in scope to encompass mental health and wellbeing in collaboration with physical activity. Alongside community-building events, regular forums and expanding healthcare programs to include mental wellness, the company engages mental health experts to share their invaluable insight and tips to improving mental wellbeing.
“If you have mental health issues, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You need to accept it, experience it, express it and get help,” stated de Pona. “It’s good that Filipinos are trying to be more open and companies are recognizing the need for mental health awareness. There is a lack of mental health services in the country and we need to work on that so that people can get help when they need it.”
To conclude the panel, the speakers shared the importance of helping each other through challenging times. “We should always foster compassion and be kind and supportive to those that need mental health support,” concluded Dulfo. “It’s essential that we can provide one another with support in the workplace, at home and in the community.”