Engage workers with mental health issues

People recovering from mental health conditions can become independent and useful members of society if they are gainfully employed (More firms hiring those with mental health issues; March 27).

The Mindset Learning Hub’s exhortations to employers to offer varied job opportunities helps to dispel the notion that mentally disadvantaged people are more suitable for back-end roles or operations behind the scenes.

Such workers must come out of social isolation and interact with people, as this would rehabilitate them, ease them back into society and improve their quality of life.

Jobs that entail customer service in retail and in food and beverage outlets would present them with opportunities to communicate with customers, which in turn develops their security.

Employers hiring people recovering from mental ailments must have empathy, as these new workers may find it difficult to adapt to their working environment. Managers must try to understand the background or problems of disadvantaged workers under their charge.

With proper training, they can contribute to the success of the organisation they work in and, more importantly, can overcome the socio-economic challenges facing them.