by: Katlyn Rule, Marketing Coordinator, Qwrk Outsourcing
Qwrk Outsourcing’s Mental Health and Wellness (MHW) Program has been named a finalist for the Wellness Program/Initiative of the Year category at the Women in Finance Awards Australia. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to prioritizing mental health, especially among its workforce in the Philippines, where awareness around mental well-being has only recently gained momentum.
Launched in 2021 during the height of the pandemic, the MHW Program was created to address the mental health needs of staff, especially during the challenges brought by the isolation of lockdown. Spearheaded by Operations Manager Cathy Young and a team of mental health advocates, the program aimed to bridge the gap between the progressive practices in Australia and the growing awareness in the Philippines. By fostering an open, supportive environment, the initiative sought to normalize mental health discussions in the workplace.
A defining moment came in 2023 when the MHW Program became a permanent initiative, marking a significant milestone in Qwrk’s long-term commitment to employee mental health. One critical goal in formalizing the program was clarifying the distinction between mental health advocates and professional practitioners. Advocates guide staff toward resources but are not clinical experts. To ensure proper support, Qwrk partnered with RBE Psychological Services to provide professional care. As part of this, employees were offered six free counseling sessions each year — a core benefit of the program since its inception in 2021.
“I’ve scheduled counseling sessions with the company’s partner clinic, RBE Psychological Services, where I’ve found a safe space to discuss my thoughts, fears, and emotions,” shared Fomie Dagting, Client Services Officer. “While my friends and family are supportive, they have their own struggles. Through these sessions, I’ve been given personal assignments that help me process my emotions, offering a new perspective on myself.”
One of the MHW Program’s key features is its focus on promoting emotional well-being in fun, engaging ways. For 2023’s World Mental Health Month in October, the program offered workshops on redefining rest, understanding love languages, and building resilience to stress, anxiety, and depression — kicked off with a stress-relieving silent disco. Throughout the year, the MHW Team maintains its presence by setting up MHW corners in the office and engaging employees through wellness content shared on the company’s communication platforms. These initiatives are designed to foster a supportive, open environment where employees feel safe and comfortable discussing their mental health.
This year, the MHW Program continued its goal to normalize conversations on mental health through workshops that explored the pros and cons of wearing emotional masks at work and strategies for navigating difficult emotions like fear and anger. Upcoming events include a Psychological First Aid Crash Course for Qwrk’s management team and the return of the popular Silent Disco as a way to cap off the month.
“I think the company’s MHW Program and its efforts to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace is a huge step in the right direction,” said Vicky Gumba, Compliance Team Lead. “It lays a strong foundation for the holistic growth of employees.”
For the MHW Program, their constant visibility is essential to normalize mental health in the workplace, whether through dedicated events or casual conversations during break time. While there is still a long way to go, especially in the Philippines where these conversations are only beginning to gain momentum, initiating this change within the Qwrk community is crucial, with the hope that team members will extend their awareness to their own communities.
Being named a finalist at the Women in Finance Awards Australia affirms Qwrk’s commitment to leading the charge in normalizing mental health conversations, dismantling stigmas, and proving that a workplace rooted in mental well-being is not just achievable — it’s transformative. Through this program, Qwrk aims to create a culture where employees are empowered to grow, supported to succeed, and inspired to bring their best selves to both their professional and personal lives.
The Women in Finance Awards 2024 will take place on Friday, 15 November 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney, recognizing the best and brightest women across the finance sector. Qwrk Managing Director, Jo Hall, has also been named a finalist for Regional Professional of the Year and CEO of the Year. To learn more, visit Women in Finance Awards.