Don't Stay Silent About Workplace Pressure

Excessive workplace pressure, toxic culture, bullying, and manipulation are no longer considered personal issues to be endured silently. These conditions can lead to significant mental and physical health problems, and affected employees have legal recourse through official complaints to the Department of Labor (JTK) and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP).

Mental health issues among workers are often misunderstood as personal weakness. However, toxic work environments are increasingly recognized as occupational risks that can trigger depression, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks, potentially leading to self-harm if not managed. A private sector employee, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an experience of extreme stress due to persistent intimidation and humiliation by a supervisor, which resulted in sleep loss, heart palpitations, and a diagnosis of severe stress.

Labor lawyer Sarah Anis explained that the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1994 mandates employers to provide a safe working environment, encompassing mental well-being. Employers can be held responsible if workplace stress arises from bullying, exploitation, or unreasonable workloads. Anis stressed the importance for employees to gather clear evidence before filing complaints, including obtaining medical diagnoses, preserving proof like messages or emails, and meticulously recording the chronology of events.

Employees can submit formal complaints to JTK, JKKP, or the Social Security Organization (Perkeso) through written or online channels, providing medical evidence and a complete timeline. While many employees fear speaking out due to job security concerns, remaining silent exacerbates the situation. Prolonged stress can severely damage mental health and disrupt daily life. The article emphasizes that workplaces should be safe and productive spaces, not environments that harm individuals. Employees are encouraged to seek help, collect evidence, and utilize available legal channels to protect their rights.