The topic of companies providing mental health support for their employees has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that companies should provide mental health support for their employees. Others believe it is not the responsibility of companies to do so. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for companies providing mental health support
- Discuss arguments against companies providing mental health support
- Present their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal view.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Sample
In today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environment, the debate over whether companies should provide mental health support for their employees has become increasingly relevant. While some argue that it is the responsibility of companies to ensure their workers’ psychological well-being, others contend that this falls outside the scope of an employer’s duties. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this complex issue.
Proponents of corporate mental health support argue that companies have a vested interest in maintaining their employees’ psychological well-being. They reason that mentally healthy workers are more productive, creative, and loyal to their organizations. Furthermore, by providing such support, companies can reduce absenteeism, staff turnover, and healthcare costs associated with mental health issues. For instance, tech giants like Google and Microsoft have implemented comprehensive mental health programs, reporting significant improvements in employee satisfaction and overall company performance.
On the other hand, those against company-provided mental health support contend that it is not the responsibility of businesses to address their employees’ personal psychological issues. They argue that mental health is a private matter and should be handled by healthcare professionals and public health systems. Moreover, some worry that such programs could be invasive and potentially compromise employee privacy. Critics also point out that smaller companies may not have the resources to provide adequate mental health support, potentially creating an unfair advantage for larger corporations.
In my opinion, while companies should not bear sole responsibility for their employees’ mental health, they do have an important role to play in supporting it. The workplace is where most adults spend a significant portion of their time, and it can have a substantial impact on their mental well-being. By implementing supportive policies and creating a culture that prioritizes mental health, companies can contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce. However, this should be done in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, public health services and individual responsibility.
In conclusion, the provision of mental health support by companies is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While it should not be mandated for all businesses, I believe that companies that can afford to do so should consider implementing such programs as part of their corporate social responsibility and long-term business strategy. Ultimately, a collaborative approach involving employers, public health services, and individuals is likely to be most effective in addressing the growing concern of mental health in the workplace.
Corporate mental health support programs and their benefits
Band 7 Essay Sample
The question of whether companies should provide mental health support for their employees is a topic of considerable debate. While some believe it is the responsibility of employers to ensure the psychological well-being of their staff, others argue that this falls outside the scope of a company’s duties. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before offering my personal opinion on the matter.
Those in favor of company-provided mental health support argue that it benefits both employees and the organization. They contend that mentally healthy workers are more productive and less likely to take sick leave. Additionally, such support can improve employee loyalty and job satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates. For example, many large corporations have implemented mental health programs and reported positive outcomes in terms of workforce performance and company culture.
However, opponents of this view argue that mental health is a personal issue that should be addressed by healthcare professionals, not employers. They worry that company involvement in employees’ mental health could be intrusive and potentially compromise privacy. Furthermore, critics point out that smaller businesses may not have the resources to provide adequate mental health support, which could create an unfair advantage for larger companies.
In my opinion, while companies should not be solely responsible for their employees’ mental health, they can play a significant role in supporting it. The workplace environment can greatly impact an individual’s mental well-being, and employers are in a unique position to create positive change. By implementing supportive policies and fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health, companies can contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce. However, this should be done in conjunction with public health services and individual responsibility.
In conclusion, the provision of mental health support by companies is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While it may not be feasible or necessary for all businesses to offer comprehensive mental health programs, I believe that companies should strive to create a supportive work environment that promotes mental well-being. Ultimately, a collaborative approach involving employers, healthcare providers, and individuals is likely to be most effective in addressing mental health concerns in the workplace.
Workplace mental health strategies and their implementation
Band 6 Essay Sample
Nowadays, mental health is a big problem in many countries. Some people think companies should help their workers with mental health, but others say it’s not the company’s job. This essay will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think companies should help with mental health say it’s good for everyone. They say that when workers are happy and healthy in their minds, they work better and don’t miss work as much. Also, if companies help with mental health, workers might like their jobs more and stay longer. For example, some big companies have started mental health programs and say their workers are doing better.
But some people think companies shouldn’t have to help with mental health. They say mental health is personal and should be taken care of by doctors, not bosses. They worry that if companies get involved, it might be too much in workers’ private lives. Also, small companies might not have enough money to help with mental health, which isn’t fair.
I think companies can help with mental health, but they shouldn’t have to do everything. Work is a big part of people’s lives, so companies can make things better by being nice about mental health. They can make rules that help people feel good at work. But I also think people should take care of their own mental health, and the government should help too.
In the end, it’s not easy to say if companies should help with mental health or not. I think it’s good if companies try to make work a better place for mental health, but they don’t have to do everything. It’s best if companies, doctors, and workers all work together to help with mental health problems.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay:
- Task Response (TR): Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control. Minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 7 Essay:
- TR: Addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with some development.
- CC: Logically organizes information and ideas, with a clear overall progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- LR: Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision. Occasional errors in word choice but meaning is clear.
- GRA: Uses a variety of complex structures. Produces frequent error-free sentences with some grammatical mistakes that do not impede communication.
Band 6 Essay:
- TR: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- CC: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Uses cohesive devices but may be overused or under-used.
- LR: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Some errors in word choice but meaning is generally clear.
- GRA: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mental health support (noun phrase) – /ˈmentl helθ səˈpɔːrt/ – assistance provided for psychological well-being
- Corporate responsibility (noun phrase) – /ˈkɔːpərət rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – a company’s obligation to act ethically
- Employee well-being (noun phrase) – /ɪmˈplɔɪiː wel-ˈbiːɪŋ/ – the overall health and happiness of workers
- Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – the efficiency of production or output
- Absenteeism (noun) – /ˌæbsənˈtiːɪzəm/ – the practice of regularly staying away from work
- Work-life balance (noun phrase) – /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/ – equilibrium between career and personal life
- Stigma (noun) – /ˈstɪɡmə/ – a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality
- Proactive (adjective) – /prəʊˈæktɪv/ – creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it
- Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – considering the whole rather than just parts
- Employee assistance program (noun phrase) – /ɪmˈplɔɪiː əˈsɪstəns ˈprəʊɡræm/ – a work-based intervention program
In conclusion, the topic of companies providing mental health support is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as work-life balance, employee wellness programs, or the role of businesses in social issues. Remember to always address all parts of the question, provide balanced arguments, and clearly state your own opinion. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.
