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National Council of Social Service

For corporates

A guide for leaders in building inclusive workplaces

Last updated 29 October 2025

On this page

Overview
For organisation leaders
As a colleague
Explore other resources

Overview

We believe that every workplace can be a welcoming and supportive environment. Everyone can play their part in achieving inclusivity.

For organisation leaders

As organisation leaders or human resource practitioners, we recommend that you practice ‘ADAPT’ to create a supportive and inclusive workplace for persons with mental health needs. The ‘ADAPT’ framework stands for:

  • Advance awareness and dialogue on mental health.

  • Develop strategies to monitor and strengthen employee mental well-being.

  • Appoint a Workplace Mental Well-being Champion.

  • Partner with employment support agencies for Return-to-Work and employment support.

  • Train supervisors and colleagues to support employees with mental health needs.

Download the infographic here [PDF, 4.9 MB].

NCSS infographic on the ADAPT framework to create workplaces supporting mental health and well-being

As a colleague

As colleagues, we recommend that you practice the 3 ‘L’s to support your colleagues’ well-being with ease. The 3 ‘L’s stand for:

  • Look for signs and symptoms that could indicate a colleague is struggling or in distress.

  • Listen to your colleague actively and empathetically.

  • Link your colleague to practical support and resources.

Download the infographic here [PDF, 4.9 MB].

NCSS infographic outlining the 3L guide—Look, Listen, Link—for supporting colleagues' mental well-being.

Explore other resources

Access mental health support resources for the workplace

Explore best practices for recruiting and supporting employees with mental health needs through our Mental health toolkit for employers.

Learn how to offer mental health support in the workplace with the Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces and the Playbook on Workplace Mental Well-being. Plan your workplace well-being support using the WellNUS Mental Health Framework.

Assess your workforce’s well-being

Use iWorkHealth to evaluate the state of your employees' well-being at work.

Explore Mindline at Work

Discover ways to care for yourselves and your colleagues at the workplace through Mindline at Work.

Foster an inclusive workforce with Employment Support Agencies

Employment Support Agencies (ESAs) play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health needs to achieve and maintain meaningful employment.

ESAs offer a comprehensive range of services designed to empower individuals and employers.

Individual-focused Services

Employer-focused Services

  • Skills training to enhance employability

  • On-the-job training for practical experience

  • Vocational counselling to guide career choices

  • Job matching and placement to find suitable positions

  • Ongoing support to help sustain employment

  • Explore job trial opportunities

  • Assist in designing work functions that leverage the strengths of persons with mental health needs

  • Provide support and guidance to ensure successful integration of employees

  • Conduct mental wellness workshops and training for organisations to promote inclusive and supportive work environment

They act as a bridge between individuals with mental health needs and potential employers, fostering a more inclusive workforce. Connect with an ESA today:

Join the Well-being Champions Network

Connect with like-minded professionals to access valuable resources and share best practices for inclusive workplace policies and initiatives through the Well-being Champions Network.

Register for Peer Support Training

Enhance your skills to foster a supportive work environment with these courses:

Register for Beyond the Label’s Return to Work Workshop

Join our specialised 3.5-hour workshop designed for HR professionals to support employees returning from mental health-related absences.

Developed by NUS Health and Wellbeing Team for Beyond the Label, this comprehensive training covers creating effective return-to-work plans, facilitating empathetic conversations, and implementing workplace accommodations guided by Mental Health Matters: An Employer Handbook.

Equip your organisation with the essential tools and pathways for sustainable workplace mental health reintegration.  

Register your interest to participate in the workshop