Overwork is not a new issue, but what now poses a growing threat to our mental health and work-life balance is the glorification of overwork culture in Asia. These days, “overwork” is not only acceptable, it’s inspirational.

Ever feel like you’re just “faking it” at work? Like any moment, someone might realise you’re not as capable as they think? That’s imposter syndrome — a common experience of self-doubt and feeling like a fraud, despite evidence of your skills and accomplishments.

According to a global study, 69% of employees said their mental health was attributed to their managers – that's on par with the impact of a spouse or partner (69%)! To put that in perspective, it's significantly greater than the influence of doctors (51%) or therapists (41%). This reveals a powerful truth: managers are pivotal in shaping the daily work experience and the overall well-being of their teams.

As organisations continue to evolve, the focus on employee well-being has become more than just an HR initiative—it is now a key driver of business performance. However, many companies struggle with translating well-being strategies into meaningful action, gaining leadership buy-in, and ensuring long-term impact. At Calm Collective Asia’s most recent Well-being Leaders Roundtable, we explored these challenges.

Meetings are where decisions are made, ideas are born, and, often, where your work life is defined. During our recent talk, “How to Lead Meetings That Empower Every Voice”, our speakers Minette Norman (Award-winning author, speaker, and leadership consultant) and Sabrina Ooi (CEO, Calm Collective Asia) shared their insights on leading meetings that are productive and inclusive. Here’s a roundup of the lessons we’ve learnt from the conversation.

The modern workplace is facing a silent crisis: a mental health pandemic. People are struggling with exhaustion and disengagement, significantly impacting business productivity, absenteeism, retention, and overall performance. But there's hope. An Oxford University study shows a strong correlation between prioritising employee well-being and improved business performance.