Well Within: ZTE Indonesia's HR Director on why mental health check-ups are a strategic investment

As Robby Purbantoro, HR Director, ZTE Indonesia, highlights, while regular health assessments are a valuable component of employee wellbeing, they should be part of a broader, well-integrated strategy to effectively enhance employee health and organisational performance.

Organisations today are increasingly recognising the impact of mental wellbeing on productivity, engagement, and overall organisational success, with many making it a critical business priority. In Indonesia, conversations around mental health have gained momentum in recent years, driven by cultural shifts and regulatory frameworks that emphasise employee wellbeing. However, stigma and lack of awareness still remain a challenge.

Employers who take the lead in normalising mental health support are not only safeguarding their workforce but also positioning themselves as progressive and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

For ZTE Indonesia, mental health is integrated into the broader employee wellbeing strategy. In this edition of Well Within, Robby Purbantoro, HR Director, ZTE Indonesia tells HRO’s Sarah Gideon how the company adapts global initiatives to local needs — including integrating mental health check-ups into annual medical assessments. "The assessment for mental health has included as a part of yearly medical check-up for the employee as the basic measurement for identification of the mental health issue," he shares. 

Other initiatives Robby shares include:

• Employee engagement activities, in which the company organises a range of employee activities, designed to promote employee wellbeing, enhance professional development, and strengthen community ties and aims to foster a positive and engaging workplace culture.
• Employee benefits, where staff receive private medical insurance, allowances for communication, meals, transportation, and birthdays, as well as performance-based bonuses.
• A supportive work environment that emphasises discipline, teamwork, at a strategic office location in South Jakarta that enhances employee convenience.
• Compliance with local regulations, whereby ZTE Indonesia ensures to adhere to Indonesian labour laws, including those related to employee wellbeing and mental health to ensure a healthy working environment.

When asked how ZTE Indonesia addresses mental health proactively and the impact on cost savings and performance, Robby highlights the success of regular employee medical check-ups.

"By conducting annual health assessments, companies can identify early signs of mental health concerns, allowing for timely intervention and support," he explains.

"This proactive strategy not only aids in preventing the escalation of potential issues but also contributes to a healthier workforce. Research indicates that employees who receive regular health check-ups are more likely to maintain good mental health, leading to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism."

On the financial front, Robby points out that studies have shown that for every dollar invested in mental health initiatives, employers can expect a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. In addition, comprehensive workplace wellness programmes have been associated with a decrease in health costs, absenteeism, and workers' compensation claims, with a reported benefit-to-cost ratio of 5.81.

While annual medical assessments can help detect issues early, Robby also cautions that their effectiveness depends on several factors — such as employee engagement, the depth of the assessments, and the follow-up actions taken by the organisation.

"Without a holistic approach that includes continuous support, follow-up care, and a culture that encourages mental health awareness, the benefits of these check-ups may be limited.

"Moreover, the financial return on investment from such initiatives can vary, and in some cases, the costs associated with implementing and maintaining these programs might outweigh the immediate benefits," he adds. 

This is why Robby advocates for integrating regular health assessments into a broader, well-structured wellbeing strategy to truly enhance employee health and organisational performance. 

Making a business case for mental health

Securing leadership buy-in for mental health initiatives requires more than good intentions — it demands a clear, strategic argument. Robby stresses that HR leaders should frame these programmes as investments that drive measurable business outcomes.

This can be done, as he shares, by employing a strategic, data-driven approach that aligns with organisational goals through quantifying financial impact, demonstrating return on investment, aligning with business objective, highlighting talent attraction and retention, and finally, proposing a scalable solution. 

At ZTE Indonesia, this is measured through a comprehensive approach that combines quantitative data with qualitative insights to assess the effectiveness and impact as the ROI of mental health programmes, such as:

1. The absenteeism and presenteeism’s data.
2. Employee turnover and retention rates.
3. Healthcare cost & claims, such us insurance benefit claim ratio and utilisation rate.
4. Productivity matrix, such us revenue, cost and profit per employee.
5. Engagement and satisfaction surveys.
6. Employee feedback & Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC) for the qualitative insight.

Closing the conversation, Robby shares that mental health isn’t just a corporate priority — it’s a personal one. When challenges arise, he adopts a structured approach to maintain balance and resilience:

• Identify controllable factors, by distinguishing between aspects he can influence and those that he can't. "This clarity helps me focus my energy on areas where I can make a difference."
• Assess causes and risks as understanding the root causes of stress and potential risks to his wellbeing allows Robby to address underlying issues effectively.
• Implement solutions, such as setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, and seeking support when needed.
• Measure progress by regularly tracking his mood, energy levels, and stress management to gauge the effectiveness of his strategies.
• Review and improve: "I commit to continuous self-reflection, adjusting my approach as necessary to ensure ongoing mental wellbeing."

"Maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, adequate rest, and a healthy diet is another integral part of the equation."

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