Mental health might not be listed as an “official” love language — but maybe it should be.

It’s noticing. It’s holding space. It’s choosing to care — when no one’s watching, when it’s not easy, when it’s not cute.

Organisations are often pressed to remain relevant by maximising profits and putting business needs first. However, organisational cultures can strongly influence employee wellbeing and even indirectly improve profit margins.

Drawing from the practices of organisations worldwide, here are some key actions the leadership in organisations can take to make the transition after mental health leave smoother. 

“What kind of love is it that the person being loved can’t live the way they want to? ” In Confucian culture, we are taught of filial piety and unconditional obedience towards the elders in the family because they only want the best for us. In such a cultural context, all the toxic behaviours–over-control, emotional manipulation, constant guilt-tripping–are justified as “love”.

So, what is it like to be a Glass Child when you’re 50? Glass Child is a term often used to describe a child who has had to grow up with a sibling whose illness, disability, developmental issue or high-attention need requires more parental attention. In this article, Yasmeen shares her sage experience.

The phenomenon of burnout and overwork is especially evident in East Asia. In Singapore, where I am from, “poor organisational culture, unrealistic expectations of workers’ productivity, role ambiguity and lack of recognition” are grounds for burnout. Learn how a positive working culture can be built.