Thursday, 30 October 2025

Is a Four-Day Workweek Ready for Sri Lanka? The HR Perspective

 

Introduction

HRM is being developed from Standard administrative duties into a strategic element that influence both satisfaction of employees and company success. A four-day work trend is shown as a new framework to improve mental well-being, productivity and motivation worldwide. Most of the time, traditional patterns of long working hours leads to stress, low productivity and  loss of interest in work (Chakraborty & Biswas, 2019). More freedom, opportunity, and meaningfulness to develop themselves are demanded by employees, with the rise of Gen Z and Millennials in the workforce (Man & Ling, 2014).



Strategic Planning Enhance Concentration

Employees can efficiently manage their activities and match their goals with the aims of the company by using Strategic Planning at Work (SPW). Better decision-making, ownership and discipline are promoted by this method (Ferlie & Ongaro, 2015).








Brand Loyalaty Promotes Commitment

Emotional involvement and pride  in workers are encouraged by Seeing the Company as a Brand (SCAB). People are more dedicated and motivated  to their work when the same values are shared with their organization (Punjaisri & Wilson, 2009).

 


Happiness and connection are the driving forces behind collaboration

Problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are enhanced by Continual Connection (CC) (Seibert, Wang, and Courtright, 2011). Similarly, engagement, innovation, and a  pleasing workplace culture are encouraged by Inspiring Happiness at Work (IHW). Remarkably, when employees have self governance and greater independence, less of an impact is had by providing constructive feedback (PCF) (Jong, 2016).


Conclusion

The four-day workweek concept is one that is fully supported and thought to have the capacity to transform human resources in Sri Lanka. Since human capital is essential to sectors like services, IT, and clothing, the transition to flexible and people-centered work structures can be led by HR. A resilient, creative, and a balance workforce may be developed by HR professionals by promoting employee engagement, well-being,  and performance through programs like the four-day workweek coordinating objectives in business with the changing demands of Sri Lankan employees.


 

References

Chakraborty D., & Biswas W. (2019). Evaluating the impact of human resource planning programs in addressing the strategic goal of the firm: An organizational perspective. Journal of Advances in Management Research, 16(5), 659–682.

Man N. C., & Ling T. W. (2014). Relationships between working hours and productivity: The case of food services and information communication industries in Hong Kong. Advances in Economics and Business, 2(7), 281–292.

Ferlie E., & Ongaro E. (2015). Strategic management in public sector organizations: Concepts, schools, and contemporary issues. Routledge.

Punjaisri K., Wilson A., & Evanschitzky H. (2009). Exploring the influences of internal branding on employees’ brand promise delivery: Implications for strengthening customer–brand relationships. Journal of Relationship Marketing, 7(4), 407–424.

Seibert S. E., Wang G., & Courtright S. H. (2011). Antecedents and consequences of psychological and team empowerment in organizations: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(5), 981–1003.

Jong J. (2016). The role of performance feedback and job autonomy in mitigating the negative effect of role ambiguity on employee satisfaction. Public Performance and Management Review, 39(4), 814–834.

Wednesday, 29 October 2025

How Can HR Professionals Help With Employee Mental Health?

How Can HR Professionals Help With Employee Mental Health?

 

Creating Supportive Workplaces

    Dimensions of Employee Wellness

Workers who have mental health issues at work are supported by HRM as a crucial function. The increasing need for a better understanding of mental illness in work enviorment is highlighted by research, targeting on the disclosure processes, employee expereiences, and HR policies. Supportive cultures that improves well-being while lowering the stigma and increasing awareness about mental health at all levels of an organization can be created by HR through the use of inclusive strategies and ethical practices (Sophie, Kayla & Joy, 2021)


HR Strategies and Practices

HRM plays a crucial role in the creation of workpalces that are inclusive and supporting for workers who are suffering from mental illness. Mental health problems are very common and can have an important impact on an each person's general attendance, well-being and productivity. Employees are able to manage difficult situations by handing sucessfully with the support of HR strategies such as modifications at work, training, flexible working hours, and compassionate leadership. In additon to reducing stigma, providing this necessary support increases engagement and let people to make full contributions towards the objectives of the company (Follmer & Jones, 2018). Recognizing and responding to the needs & wants of workers with mental health issues will have positive work cultures and increased commercial and human outcomes (World Health Organization, 2019).


Through job design, rules, and inclusive practices that consider the needs of each employee, HR professionals shape the experiences of their workforce. Understanding disclosure, coping strategies, and personal strengths can equip HR professionals to better support employees' career trajectory and well-being. By valuing diverse abilities and perspectives of employees with mental illness, HR is able to enhance productivity, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction (Peterson, Gordon & Neale, 2017). In the end, ensuring that workers with mental health issues are empowered, supported, and able to do their best work, for the benefit of themselves and business, is a strategic as much as an administrative role of HR.


Creating a Healthier Future Workplace

In conclusion HR has a crucial role in developing inclusive workplaces and supporting workers experiencing mental health problems. HR can reduce stigma and enhance well-being and productivity through tailored policies, accommodations, training, and compassionate leadership. Organizations can enable people and bring about a healthy, equitable, and productive workplace culture-one that benefits everyone, both individually and the organization as a whole-by recognizing individual talents and needs of each employee.

 


Mental Health at Work




References

 

Hennekam, S., Follmer, K., & Beatty, J. (2021). Exploring mental illness in the workplace:the role of HR professionals and processes. The International Journal of Human Resource Management32(15), 3135–3156.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2021.1960751

Follmer, K. B., & Jones, K. S. (2017). Stereotype content and social distancing from employees with mental illness: The moderating roles of gender and social dominance orientation. Journal of Applied Social Psychology47(9), 492–504. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12455

World Health Organization (2019) Mental disorders. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders (Accessed: 27 October 2025).

Peterson, D., Gordon, S., & Neale, J. (2017). It can work: Open employment for people with experience of mental illness. Work (Reading, Mass.)56(3), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-172510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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