Is Your Workplace Affecting Your Mental Health? 10 Red Flags M’sians Shouldn’t Ignore

You come to work, smash your deadlines and hit every KPI. But somehow, the best opportunities and promotions keep going to the same few people. You know the ones, always having long lunches with management, getting invited into exclusive discussions and seemingly untouchable even when they mess up.

Meanwhile, you’re taking on more responsibilities, working longer hours and wondering why your hard work never seems to translate into better opportunities or recognition. Sound familiar?

For illustration purposes

With World Mental Health Day falling on 10 October, it’s worth talking about how workplace politics, favouritism and unreasonable expectations can affect our mental wellbeing.

So, if you’re surviving your 9-to-6 on iced latte and spite, here are 10 workplace red flags worth watching out for.

      The “Anak Emas” Chronicles: Favouritism, Cronyism & Nepotism

1. The Invisible “Cable” Culture
   It’s who you know, not what you know. When friendships or family connections matter more than performance, favouritism, cronyism or nepotism may be at play.
   
2. The Elite WhatsApp Group
   The same inner circle always has the boss’s ear, gets invited into important discussions and enjoys special privileges. Everyone else? Apparently, just there to make up the numbers.
   
3. Different People, Different Rules
   You get questioned for arriving five minutes late, but the boss’s favourite strolls in much later without consequences. Apparently, the company handbook has favourites too.

   The “We Are a Family” Trap: More Work, Less Reward

4. Big Promises, 3-in-1 Teams 
   New projects keep rolling in, but additional manpower never follows. Suddenly, you’re doing three people’s jobs because everyone needs to pitch in.
5. Senior Expectations, Intern Pay
   You’re hired for a junior role but expected to manage major projects and deliver senior-level results without proper guidance, support or recognition.
6. Record-Breaking Targets, Ghost Increments
   Management celebrates the company’s growth, but your salary increment or bonus barely reflects your extra responsibilities. At least the KPIs look impressive, right?
7. “No Budget” for Manpower, Generous Perks for Bosses
   There’s supposedly no money for more staff or better compensation, yet certain privileges seem unaffected. Naturally, employees start questioning the company’s priorities.

   The Toxic Ecosystem: When Speaking Up Backfires

8. “Speak Up”, but Don’t You Dare Disagree
   The company boasts an open-door policy, but raise concerns about workloads, unfair treatment or employment entitlements, and suddenly you’re labelled difficult or told to “deal with it.”
9. Management Is Flawless, Staff Is Flawed
   When projects succeed, leadership takes the credit. When things go wrong, employees take the blame. Accountability apparently only travels in one direction.
10. Yesterday’s Employee, Today’s Office Gossip
    Ever joined a company only to hear people openly badmouthing former colleagues? It makes you wonder whether the same conversations will happen about you after you leave.
    

For illustration purposes

When Workplace Politics Start Affecting Your Mental Health

Not every office friendship is cronyism, and one disappointing increment doesn’t automatically mean exploitation. The concern is when unfair treatment and excessive demands become repeated patterns.

Over time, constantly feeling undervalued, overworked or afraid to speak up can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion. What starts as frustration at work may eventually affect your sleep, relationships and overall wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive workloads, discrimination, inadequate pay and poor management can pose risks to employees’ mental health.

Malaysia’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) also addresses workplace psychosocial risks in its 2024 guidelines.

If these red flags sound familiar, document important instructions, workload changes and relevant incidents. For employment-related concerns, including applicable overtime and leave entitlements, employees can refer to the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) for guidance on lodging complaints.

And if work-related stress is affecting your sleep, health or everyday life, consider seeking professional support.

Because no job should come at the expense of your mental health, and no employee should have to sacrifice their wellbeing just to prove their worth.

This World Mental Health Day, here’s a reminder to look after yourself, set healthy boundaries and remember that your wellbeing matters just as much as your work.

Also read: Man Sues Workplace for Having to Reply to Work-Related Messages After Office Hours, Wins RM19,000