Gao Dongzhi is responsible for managing complaints from anxious customers seeking refunds at a Shanghai online travel agency. His team handles calls from distressed individuals around the globe, resulting in a challenging work environment. To equip himself and his colleagues to better manage stress, Gao participated in a mental health course offered in collaboration with the Shanghai Mental Health Center and the Shanghai Pilot Health Promotion Center in late May.

These courses, designed to provide basic mental health knowledge and self-help strategies, have been conducted four times since November, training nearly 300 professionals, including healthcare workers and corporate managers. The program aims to expand its reach throughout various districts of the city. According to Si Xinli, the executive director of SPHPC, enhancing employees' psychological resilience is crucial to cope with the complexities of modern workplaces.

Si emphasized that small investments in mental health initiatives lead to increased employee happiness and productivity, fostering a supportive business atmosphere. He Yuan, vice-chairwoman of the Shanghai Medical Trade Union, highlighted that as industries progress rapidly, it becomes vital for healthcare workers to acquire skills to manage job-related stress effectively.

The courses involve clinical doctors presenting real-life cases to help participants recognize potential psychological issues among colleagues and find compassionate ways to address them. Zeng Qingzhi, a lecturer specializing in public health at SMHC, noted that identifying stress signals—such as neglecting self-care, experiencing chronic negative feelings, and withdrawal from social interactions—can be the first step in providing support.

Li Li, from the Psychological Health Promotion Department, pointed out that burnout often arises when individuals perceive their work as meaningless or feel underappreciated, leading to severe physical and mental health consequences. Si reiterated that mental health challenges can hinder work performance significantly compared to physical ailments, which often allow for continued cognitive function.

Research indicates that significant portions of the global workforce deal with considerable stress without reporting it to superiors, often resulting in resignations catalyzed by an inability to handle pressure. The World Health Organization states that anxiety and depression impact millions globally and contribute to substantial economic losses in productivity. Zeng remarked that while some stress is beneficial for motivation, excessive stress can lead to decreased efficiency and mental collapse, advocating for effective stress management rather than avoidance.