METHODS: Seven therapists and one physician who are frequently involved in occupational rehabilitation services in their home countries critically reviewed the current issues in Singapore and Malaysia which included analysis of the prevalence and cost of occupational injury; overview of workers' compensation system; current practices, obstacles, and challenges in providing occupational rehabilitation and return to work practices. They also offered opinions about how to improve the occupational rehabilitation programs of their two home countries.
CONCLUSION: Even though Malaysia and Singapore are two different countries, in many ways their current provision of occupational rehabilitation services and the problems they face with are very similar. There is a lot of room for systemic improvements that require government support and action. Most prominently, the training of more healthcare professionals in the assessment and rehabilitation of the injured worker should be encouraged. There could be better liaison between the many stakeholders and more funding made available to develop resources and to jump start strategic programs. As these two countries are witnessing rapid economic growth, more resources should be allocated to establish holistic care of the injured workers emphasizing early interventions and prevention of chronic disabilities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomised control trial was conducted on smokers in a factory. A total of 163 participants were recruited and randomised into control and intervention groups using a table of random numbers. The intervention group received a ten-minute brief physician counselling session to quit smoking. Stages of smoking behaviour were measured in both groups using a translated and validated questionnaire at baseline, one month and three months post intervention.
RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in smoking behaviour at one-month post intervention (p=0.024, intention to treat analysis; OR=2.525; CI=1.109-5.747). This was not significant at three-month post intervention (p=0.946, intention to treat analysis; OR=1.026; 95% CI=0.486-2.168).
CONCLUSIONS: A session of brief physician counselling was effective in improving smokers' behaviour at workplace, but the effect was not sustained.
METHODS: This cross-sectional, online survey-based study involved 15,302 employees from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam who completed the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS-21), Thriving from Work Questionnaire (TfWQ), and sociodemographic measures. Employee productivity and turnover intention was also measured as a secondary outcome. Hierarchical regression models were conducted to determine the influence of EAP access on employee wellbeing. Subgroup analyses were conducted on employees with access to EAPs to explore how different forms of EAP services contribute to employee wellbeing.
RESULTS: Only 29.04% of employees in the region reported being aware of having access to any forms of EAP services provided by their employers. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, access to EAP was significantly associated with improved mental health, thriving, and productivity, and reduced turnover intention (p health webinars, talks, or workshops (12.64%), followed by sponsored counselling, therapy or carelines (11.16%). Access to regular mental health risk assessment and screening was the form of EAP service significantly associated with the highest number of outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Having access to EAP services alone is associated with improved employee wellbeing outcomes. However, different forms of EAP services can vary in their impact on employee wellbeing. Our findings suggest a need to improve accessibility and diversity of EAP offerings for employees in Southeast Asia post-pandemic.