aiwan Government Explores Mental Health Leave for Public Servants Amid Suicide Case
In response to growing concerns over workplace bullying and mental health issues among public servants, the Taiwan government is considering the introduction of mental health leave for employees. This decision follows a tragic incident earlier this month, where a Ministry of Labor (MOL) employee was found dead in suspected suicide after allegations of workplace bullying by his supervisor.
Growing Mental Health Concerns in Taiwan’s Public Sector
At a Presidential Office health committee meeting on Thursday, Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) revealed that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) would collaborate with relevant agencies to discuss the possibility of introducing mental health leave for public servants. Lin highlighted that recent incidents, including the suicide of a MOL employee on November 4, have brought increased scrutiny to the mental well-being of workers in government agencies.
The suicide of 39-year-old Wu (吳), a MOL employee, has raised serious concerns about the prevalence of workplace bullying within Taiwan’s government offices. According to reports, Wu’s death occurred at the Executive Yuan’s Xinzhuang Joint Office Tower in New Taipei, leading to speculation that his suicide was a result of alleged bullying by his supervisor. The supervisor, Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容), has since been removed from her position and is under investigation.
Government’s Commitment to Mental Well-being
Lin stated that the government is now prioritizing the issue of mental health support in the public sector, particularly for workers in fields with high stress or access to potential self-harm means, such as military and law enforcement personnel. This initiative aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote mental well-being across all sectors of society.
The MOHW is also working on improving mental health resources for government employees, ensuring they have better access to counseling and support services. These actions are in line with Taiwan’s broader efforts to address mental health issues nationwide.
Nationwide Mental Health Campaign
This proposal to grant mental health leave for public servants is part of Taiwan’s broader approach to promoting mental well-being across the population. Earlier this year, similar initiatives were introduced in high schools and some universities to address the growing mental health crisis in young people.
MOHW data from 2018 to 2023 shows that depression and other mental illnesses were leading causes of suicide attempts in Taiwan. The government has set a goal to reduce the country’s age-standardized suicide mortality rate by 5 per thousand by 2028.
In 2023, Taiwan reported 3,898 suicides, with a suicide rate of 12.7 per thousand people, according to the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center. This statistic has prompted the government to dedicate more resources to mental health services and to focus on public policies that will reduce suicides.
Support from the Private Sector and Future Plans
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who heads the Presidential Office’s Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee, emphasized that mental well-being is an area where Taiwan still has room for improvement. Lai also noted that the government will collaborate with the private sector to provide additional support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, particularly as Taiwan’s society continues to evolve in a rapidly changing, fast-paced world.
The health committee, which was established in June 2023, consists of government officials, scholars, and representatives from businesses and civil society. This committee has become a key policy advisory group, with suggestions from its meetings being referred to various Cabinet-level agencies for further planning and implementation.
Table of Key Information on Mental Health Leave Proposal
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Proposal | Mental health leave for public servants |
| Reason for Consideration | Suicide of MOL employee due to suspected workplace bullying |
| Involved Ministry | Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) |
| Target Audience | Public servants, including those in military and law enforcement sectors |
| Goal | To improve mental health support for public servants |
| Workplace Incident | MOL employee Wu (吳) found dead on Nov. 4, suspected suicide after bullying |
| Supervisor’s Action | Supervisor Hsieh Yi-jung removed from post and under investigation |
| Related Measures | Mental health leave and better support for public servants |
| Statistical Goals | Reduce suicide rate by 5 per thousand by 2028 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is mental health leave, and why is it being introduced for public servants?
Mental health leave is a form of leave that allows employees to take time off to address mental health issues. It is being considered for public servants in Taiwan due to increasing concerns about workplace bullying and mental health crises, such as the suicide of a Ministry of Labor employee earlier this month.
Q2: What happened to the MOL employee who passed away?
The MOL employee, surnamed Wu, was found dead in the Xinzhuang Joint Office Tower, with indications suggesting suicide due to workplace bullying by his supervisor, Hsieh Yi-jung, who has since been removed from her post.
Q3: How does the government plan to support mental health in the public sector?
The government plans to introduce mental health leave for public servants and will provide additional counseling services, particularly for high-risk professions like law enforcement and the military. There are also efforts to improve the availability of mental health resources for government employees.
Q4: What is the current suicide rate in Taiwan?
In 2023, Taiwan reported 3,898 suicides, with a suicide rate of 12.7 per thousand people. The government aims to reduce the suicide mortality rate by 5 per thousand by 2028.
Q5: How will the private sector contribute to mental health support in Taiwan?
The government plans to collaborate with the private sector to provide more comprehensive mental health services, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary support and resources to manage mental health challenges.
