For months, Janet Lim* found herself grappling with sleepless nights, crippling anxiety, and the quiet pressure of holding everything together – at work and at home. As the strain mounted, the financial consultant began to realise how deeply these struggles were eroding her sense of stability and well-being -- and knew she needed help.

Her experience reflects what many workers experience today. An online Ministry of Manpower survey of 15,000 employees in 2024 found that about one-third of workers experienced stress or burnout at work[1] -- a signal that mental well-being is becoming a defining issue of the modern workplace.

As workplace stress becomes more widespread, access to mental health support has emerged as a critical issue.

Strengthening Mental Well-Being Across the Orchard Road Workforce

In August 2025, Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) launched Counselling @ Work Great, a one-year pilot programme offering free counselling to the 60,000-strong workforce across Orchard Road’s malls, hotels, lifestyle, and retail outlets.

Staffed by psychotherapists-in-training, who are clinically supervised by Monash University, the programme bridges the widening gap between rising mental-health needs and the accessibility of support -- especially for vulnerable groups who may face economic barriers, stigma, or workplace cultures where seeking help feels unsafe.

The issues workers bring are real and varied: burnout, workplace stress, interpersonal conflict and even emerging issues like vaping add to the emotional burden.

“Most people don’t know who to reach out to, and counselling can be expensive. There is still a level of stigma because many see it as something unfamiliar or even unnatural,” shared Marlynna Rahman, one of the psychotherapists-in-training.

Yet despite the clear need, many still hesitate to seek help. A 2023 survey conducted by the Health Promotion Board found that Singaporeans aged 50 and above remain less willing to seek professional mental-health support[2].

A Key Pillar in ORBA’s Sustainability Roadmap

Aligned with the social sustainability pillar in ORBA’s Sustainability Roadmap — which encourages establishments to promote quality employment and support vulnerable groups — the initiative aims not only to improve accessibility but also to reduce the long-standing stigma around counselling.

“No one should feel ashamed for struggling, and it’s crucial to know when and how to reach out for help,” said Mr Mark Shaw, Chairman of ORBA. “At ORBA, we recognise the importance of encouraging open conversations about mental health.

“We are excited to provide free counselling services to ensure seamless access to mental-health support for everyone who works on Orchard Road.”

A Precinct Coming Together

The initiative has the hallmarks of a precinct-wide collaboration.  *SCAPE and Mandarin Gallery have opened up private spaces for in-person sessions, while online counselling is also available for those who prefer a virtual format. Those interested can make appointments directly with the six psychotherapists-in-training via ORBA’s website[3].

“With initiatives like Counselling @ Work Great, we hope to break down barriers around mental health and encourage more young people to seek support when they need it,” said Mr Ethen Ong, Deputy Executive Director at *SCAPE.

Ms Patrina Tan, Senior Vice President, Retail, Marketing & Leasing at OUE Limited, added: “We are proud to support this meaningful initiative that brings mental-health resources closer to the heart of Orchard Road. It reflects our commitment to fostering a caring, resilient community where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued.”

Social Sustainability with Community-Wide Impact

For Janet, who once felt crushed by anxiety and sleepless nights, ORBA’s counselling programme has been a lifeline – providing her with a safe space to untangle her worries, rebuild confidence, and steady her mental health.

Her experience is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic on workplace stress and mental health is a person navigating real fear, real exhaustion, and real emotional weight.

With initiatives like ORBA’s pilot programme, support is no longer distant, costly, or out of reach. On Orchard Road, support isn’t out of sight – it’s woven into the community and always within reach.

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If you are interested in the counselling programme, you may book an appointment here.

* Names and certain identifying details have been changed for privacy.

[1] https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-questions-and-replies/2025/0922-written-answer-to-pq-on-workplace-burnout

[2] https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/3/d93ac4ca-205c-4afc-85de-cb8eccf02923/nphs-2023-report.pdf

[3] https://orchardroad.org/workgreatcounselling