DOLE Issues Guidelines on Mental Health Policy and Program in the Workplace

On 15 September 2023, the Department of Labor and Employment (“DOLE”) issued Labor Advisory No. 19, Series of 2023 (“Labor Advisory”) which covers all employers and employees in the private sector. 

According to the Labor Advisory, all employers are to ensure that employees are provided with effective access to mental health and self-care services, such as those provided under the Lusog-Isip application (https://selfhelp.cbdr.org.ph and https://lusog-isip.doh.gov.ph/) , and shall also refer employees requiring mental health services to the different facilities of the Department of Health-retained hospitals or the rural health units for diagnosis, medication, and treatment, among others.

The Labor Advisory also states that employees requiring further examination relative to their mental health needs may access healthcare services and facilities such as those provided by the PhilHealth Konsulta Package. Those requiring immediate mental health services may also access the National Mental Health Crisis hotline through the following numbers:

Furthermore, the Labor Advisory states that employers are encouraged to provide the following work accommodations and arrangements for employees who may need further medical attention due to disease:

1. Paid leave benefit on top of existing leave benefits under the company policy, collective bargaining agreement, the Labor Code of the Philippines, and special laws;
2. Flexible work arrangements, re-scheduling of work hours, and adoption of other work arrangements, including telecommuting; and
3. Other benefits.

Additionally, medical records of concerned employees are to be handled in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 to prevent unauthorized access, accidental or unlawful destruction, alteration, disclosure, and any other unlawful processing.

Lastly, employers shall submit to the DOLE Regional/Provincial/Field Office, which has jurisdiction over their workplace, the Annual Medical Report Form indicating the number of cases handled or referred to providers, if any, and the activities and programs to promote mental health in the workplace.