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“How They See It” is where we delve into the minds of those steering the ships of today’s most dynamic companies. In this installment, we ask Theodoric Chew about the work he does as CEO of Intellect, a pioneering force in the mental health support industry. He shares a passionate and insightful perspective on the company’s core mission, its transformative impact on mental health care, and why the work they’re doing has never been more critical.
Every day, I lead a team committed to redefining how we approach mental health support, aiming to transform it on both regional and global scales. As co-founder and CEO of Intellect, my work transcends the traditional bounds of leadership — it’s about pioneering a shift in the way mental health care is perceived and delivered.
At Intellect, we treat mental health care as essential as physical health. This means instilling a culture where mental well-being is maintained consistently and not just sought in times of crisis.
We want to empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing their mental health with the same regularity as they might visit a gym for their physical health. That starts by dismantling the initial barriers to mental health care, crafting a spectrum of services that cater to diverse needs, and making mental health support accessible and inclusive.
For us, success isn’t just about broadening our reach; it’s measured by the real improvements we see in the lives of those we serve. Whether it’s a heartfelt message from a user who’s navigated a tough period using our resources, or positive feedback from HR leaders about the marked improvement in their teams’ well-being, each piece of feedback propels us forward.
Misconceptions abound
Still, today, the path we navigate is strewn with misconceptions. One major misunderstanding is the equivalency drawn between online and traditional face-to-face mental health services.
While our digital platform extends critical accessibility, we are cognizant that some interventions are best delivered in person. To bridge this gap, we have introduced physical clinics to complement our online offerings, especially for addressing more acute mental health crises.
Another pervasive myth is that mental health care is merely a reactionary measure, employed only in dire straits. Contrary to this, our philosophy is rooted in preventative care — developing resilience and daily well-being, not just crisis management.
This involves a suite of proactive tools and resources, encouraging individuals to integrate mental health care into their daily routines.
Our proprietary ROI measurement tool
Addressing the economic aspect of mental health programs in corporate settings presents its own set of challenges. Convincing companies, especially those with tight budgets, about the return on investment (ROI) of mental health initiatives requires a robust, science-backed approach.
To begin, it’s essential to understand absenteeism and presenteeism, as both significantly affect the bottom line. Absenteeism refers to the days an employee is out due to health issues, while presenteeism measures the lack of productivity despite being at work, both influenced by mental or physical health.
The next step involves calculating the ROI of an employee wellbeing program. We evaluate this by measuring costs related to absenteeism and presenteeism before and after implementing our program. This includes analysing how emotional well-being influences productivity.
Intellect Dimensions — our proprietary ROI framework — then compares these costs to the savings from reduced absenteeism and enhanced productivity, along with the costs of using Intellect’s services.
Intellect Dimensions is a clinically validated 26-item self-assessment tool, and is the heart of our ROI methodology. It accounts for factors within our control, such as our ability to manage stress and external influences like an unprecedented increase in workload. By doing so, it assesses crucial facets of the employee experience, encompassing mental wellness and occupational engagement.
Intellect Dimensions also enables HR managers to compare departmental vitals and benchmark against industry standards, aiding in recruitment and retention strategies.
Additionally, our data confirms the effectiveness of our approach: a study of 2,000 employees who engaged with Intellect over six weeks showed a significant reduction in absenteeism, saving S$3,580, and a decrease in presenteeism, saving S$65,475.
Addressing scepticism
Still, despite our data-driven results, scepticism remains among some business leaders who see mental health programs as discretionary rather than essential.
Overcoming this requires changing perceptions at the leadership level, positioning mental health care as a strategic priority integral to organisational success. This involves demonstrating the direct link between employee well-being and enhanced productivity, thereby making a compelling case for mental health initiatives as critical to both human and economic well-being.
The cultural context in Singapore adds another layer to our mission. Mental health stigma is still significant here, making it crucial for programs like ours to be culturally sensitive and accessible.
As we expand, ensuring that our services resonate with local values and norms remains a priority. This cultural attunement helps in effectively breaking down barriers to mental health care and fostering a more inclusive environment.
What gives me hope
My vision for the future is to see workplaces across Asia and beyond recognizing and upholding mental health care as a pillar of their organisational ethos. I also envision a culture where mental well-being is openly discussed and actively maintained — where every employee feels supported and empowered to seek help without fear of judgement.
It’s an ambitious goal, I’m aware. But, three shifts would make achieving the objective more attainable.
First, a universal recognition of mental health care as a fundamental need and an indispensable part of living a full and healthy life.
Second, a global acknowledgment of mental health challenges as part of the universal human experience, which would help destigmatize these issues.
Finally, enhanced collaboration with all stakeholders — governments, businesses, and healthcare providers — to create a unified front in mental health advocacy.
To that end, we’ve made progress and that’s what gives me hope. The commitment from the Singapore government in recognizing mental health as a national priority, marks a significant milestone in our journey. It’s a testament to the shifts happening not just within workplaces but within societal frameworks that govern them.
Redefining mental health care
As I reflect on our journey, it’s clear that while challenges remain, the path we are on is transformative — not just for individuals who access our services, but for the broader societal understanding of mental health.
At Intellect, I’d like to believe that we’re not just developing a business — we’re cultivating a movement that champions mental well-being as a critical component of overall health, crucial for personal fulfilment and professional success.
In this journey, every step forward is a step toward a future where mental health care is as ubiquitous and essential as physical health care. This isn’t just a professional mission for me; it’s a personal commitment to transforming lives by fostering environments that prioritise holistic well-being.
The path ahead is paved with the collective efforts of every individual, organisation, and government that shares this vision. Together, I’m confident that we can redefine the landscape of mental health care, ensuring that support is not just available but integral to every community across Asia and beyond.
