Taiwan Proposes Mental Health Leave for Military Personnel

Active-duty military officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in Taiwan may soon receive enhanced mental health support, as the Ministry of National Defense has proposed amendments to the Leave Regulations for the Military’s Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers. These changes would allow eligible personnel to take up to three days of mental health leave per year, starting as early as the end of this year.

The proposed amendments were publicly announced on July 11, 2023, and are currently open for public comment until July 17, 2023. According to the ministry, superior officers will be prohibited from denying requests for mental health leave, which underscores a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for military personnel.

The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that these changes aim to help officers and NCOs maintain a healthy mental state. By promoting mental wellness, the ministry believes that personnel will be better equipped to focus on their combat training responsibilities. Superior officers are expected to actively encourage mental well-being within their ranks by providing resources and facilities to help alleviate stress.

The proposal outlines that the new mental health leave will be allocated based on an officer’s service in the preceding year. With the introduction of these three additional days, total special paid leave for officers and NCOs would increase from seven to ten days. Furthermore, the language in Article 7 of the regulations will be revised to align with Article 8 of the Enforcement Rules for the Act of Gender Equality in Employment. This revision reflects a broader commitment to workplace equality.

Additionally, the amendments will update the terminology in Articles 17 and 19, changing references from “labor leave” to “maternity leave” or “paternity leave to accompany spouse for medical checkups.” These updates not only reflect modern workplace practices but also aim to provide clearer guidelines for military personnel.

The proposed mental health leave policy is expected to coincide with similar measures being implemented by the Ministry of Civil Service, which plans to introduce a three-day mental well-being leave for public sector employees this year. As mental health continues to gain recognition as a vital component of overall well-being, these initiatives represent a significant step forward for military personnel in Taiwan.

The public comment period for these proposed amendments will allow stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to the final regulations, which aim to enhance the mental health support available to those serving in the military.