Changing the way we think about mental health at work - Jason's story

When people think about health and safety, they often picture physical hazards, safety procedures, and risk assessments. For Jason, however, wellbeing extends far beyond what we can see.

As an HSE Manager supporting teams across Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, much of his role involves working closely with people, understanding their concerns, and helping create safer working environments. Through those interactions, he has come to appreciate that health, safety, and wellbeing are deeply connected. While physical safety is essential, supporting people also means recognizing that personal challenges, stress, and mental wellbeing can influence how individuals feel, perform, and engage both inside and outside of work.

This belief led Jason to deepen his understanding of mental wellbeing through Wellbeing First Responder and Mental Health First Aid training. While the training provided practical skills and new perspectives, it also reinforced something he had already begun to observe throughout his career: supporting people effectively requires a more holistic view of health and wellbeing.

Changing the conversation around mental health

One of the biggest misconceptions Jason hopes to challenge is the idea that mental health only becomes relevant when someone is experiencing a serious mental health condition.

In reality, mental health affects everyone.

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, work productively, and contribute to their communities. From Jason's perspective, this definition is important because it helps reframe mental wellbeing as something that impacts all of us, not just those facing significant challenges.

Understanding mental health in this way changes how we think about support. Rather than waiting until someone reaches a crisis point, organizations and individuals can focus on creating environments where wellbeing is prioritized, conversations are encouraged, and support is available early.

The importance of recognizing the early signs

Through his work and training, Jason has learned that people don't always openly communicate when they are struggling. Often, the signs are subtle and can easily be missed if we aren't paying attention.

This is why he believes leaders play an important role in creating psychologically safe workplaces. By maintaining regular conversations, actively listening, and showing genuine interest in the wellbeing of their teams, leaders are more likely to recognize when someone may need support.

For Jason, leadership is not just about delivering results. It's about creating an environment where people feel respected, valued, and comfortable speaking up when something doesn't feel right.

He believes that when leaders consistently demonstrate care, respect, and humanity, they create the trust necessary for meaningful conversations to happen. Over time, this helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek support without fear of judgement.

Learning how to support others

Motivated by a desire to better support colleagues, friends, and family members, Jason volunteered to attend Mental Health First Aid training. The experience equipped him with practical skills that have strengthened his confidence when approaching sensitive conversations and supporting individuals who may need help.

One of the most valuable lessons he took away from the programme was the importance of listening. Often, people assume they need to solve a problem immediately or provide the perfect advice. Instead, Jason learned that support often begins with creating a safe space where someone feels heard, understood, and comfortable sharing their concerns.

The training also reinforced the idea that supporting someone does not mean carrying the responsibility alone. Mental Health First Aiders play an important role in helping colleagues access professional resources and support services, ensuring that people receive the help they need at the right time.

Creating workplaces where people can thrive

At the heart of Jason's message is a simple belief: nobody should have to face challenges alone.

He hopes employees know that support is available before issues become overwhelming and that reaching out should never be seen as a sign of weakness. Whether through a conversation with a colleague, a manager, a Mental Health First Aider, or a professional support service, taking that first step can make a meaningful difference.

For organisations, creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking openly about wellbeing is just as important as managing physical risks. When employees feel supported, connected, and psychologically safe, they are better equipped to contribute, collaborate, and navigate the challenges that inevitably arise in both work and life.

A broader view of health, safety, and wellbeing

For Jason, the future of workplace wellbeing lies in recognizing that health, safety, and wellbeing cannot be separated. Supporting people means looking beyond physical safety and creating environments where individuals feel able to thrive personally as well as professionally.

His experience through wellbeing training, Mental Health First Aid, and years of working closely with people has reinforced one key message: wellbeing is not simply about helping people through difficult moments. It is about creating the conditions that allow them to succeed, grow, and maintain a positive quality of life every day.

By encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and ensuring support is readily available, Jason believes we can all play a role in creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

If you're looking for a workplace that values wellbeing, encourages open conversations, and supports employees both professionally and personally, explore our current opportunities and discover where a career at AtkinsRéalis could take you.