📋 WAT/Essay Analysis Guide: Should Employers Provide Mental Health Support as Part of Employee Benefits?

🌟 Understanding the Topic’s Importance

Mental health in the workplace intersects with employee well-being, organizational efficiency, and social equity, making it a critical area of focus for future business leaders.

⏳ Effective Planning and Writing

• Time Allocation:
• 1. Reading & Planning: 5 minutes
• 2. Writing: 20 minutes
• 3. Review: 5 minutes

💡 Introduction Techniques for Essays

1. Contrast Approach:
   “While global companies thrive with robust mental health policies, SMEs often struggle to adopt similar measures, leaving gaps in employee well-being.”
2. Solution-Based Approach:
   “As burnout rates rise, comprehensive employer-sponsored mental health support offers a sustainable solution for workforce management.”

📖 Structuring the Essay Body

• Achievements: Increased productivity and engagement where programs exist.
• Challenges: Cost barriers and cultural stigma.
• Future Outlook: Emphasize public-private partnerships and technological solutions.

✔️ Concluding Effectively

1. Balanced Perspective:
   “While the challenges are significant, addressing workplace mental health is no longer optional for long-term organizational success.”
2. Global Comparison:
   “Learning from models in Sweden and the U.S., employers worldwide can tailor affordable, impactful programs.”

📊 Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings

• Achievements: Higher retention and reduced absenteeism.
• Challenges: SMEs struggle with implementation; stigma persists.

📌 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress

1. Public-private collaborations for affordable programs.
2. Leveraging AI for cost-effective mental health assessments.
3. Regular workplace stress audits to identify and mitigate risks.

✍️ Sample Short Essays

1. Balanced Perspective:
   “Employers hold the key to unlocking productivity by supporting employee mental health, but systemic change requires collaboration.”
2. Solution-Oriented:
   “Affordable mental health solutions can be scaled through public-private partnerships and technology.”
3. Global Comparison:
   “From Sweden’s stress audits to U.S.-style EAPs, global models show how effective mental health support benefits all stakeholders.”