Summarizing Mental Health Policies in Modern Workplaces for PTE Speaking & Writing Test

Sample Summarize Written Text Prompts: Mental Health Policies in Modern Workplaces

Sample 1:

The mental health of employees is becoming a crucial consideration for businesses worldwide. Modern workplaces are increasingly implementing policies to reduce burnout, stress, and other mental health-related issues. These policies often include access to counseling services, flexible work hours, and programs supporting mental well-being. However, despite these efforts, a significant portion of the workforce remains reluctant to seek help due to fear of stigma or negative repercussions on their careers. Thus, while mental health policies are becoming a norm, their effectiveness hinges on businesses actively working to create a stigma-free culture that encourages employees to take advantage of available resources.

Task: Summarize the text in one sentence (between 5 and 75 words).

Sample Answers and Analysis

Band 90+ Response:

Many businesses have introduced mental health policies to support employees, but their success depends on eliminating stigma and creating a culture that encourages workers to seek help.

• Content: Fully captures the main ideas.
• Form: Correct sentence length (27 words).
• Grammar: Excellent sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate use of terms like “introduce,” “success,” “eliminating stigma.”
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 79-80 Response:

Although many workplaces adopt mental health programs, employees often avoid using them due to fear of stigma, making these policies only partly effective.

• Content: Summarizes the major points but omits references to flexible work hours and counseling services.
• Form: Fits length requirement (21 words).
• Grammar: Correct, with minor simplifications.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate but more general.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 65-70 Response:

Companies are making mental health policies but many workers are not using them because they fear it will affect their career.

• Content: Misses some key details regarding flexible work hours and mental health programs.
• Form: Correct sentence length (17 words).
• Grammar: Simple sentence structure, a bit too informal.
• Vocabulary: Repetitive (e.g., “making” rather than “implementing”).
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Mental health policies implemented in modern workplaces

Sample 2:

Healthcare reforms in modern workplaces extend beyond traditional physical health insurance to include mental health support systems. These reforms aim not just to comply with legislation but reflect a growing understanding that employee well-being directly impacts productivity and business success. Mental health tools ranging from free counseling services to personal development and stress management training have become widely adopted. Despite widespread support, the success of these policies often depends on whether or not employee participation is encouraged from the top management, indicating that leadership plays a pivotal role in their implementation.

Task: Summarize the text in one sentence (between 5 and 75 words).

Sample Answers and Analysis

Band 90+ Response:

Mental health reforms in workplaces, supported by leadership, aim to enhance employee productivity, but their effectiveness often hinges on management’s encouragement of participation in the programs.

• Content: Captures the main ideas effectively, including leadership involvement.
• Form: Perfect length (25 words).
• Grammar: Correct and demonstrates complexity without confusion.
• Vocabulary: Well-selected terms like “enhance productivity,” “reforms,” and “participation.”
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 79-80 Response:

Workplace mental health reforms are implemented to improve productivity, but participation mostly depends on how much top management encourages the use of these services.

• Content: Covers primary points, but does not specifically mention programs.
• Form: Fits sentence length limit (25 words).
• Grammar: Simple but effective.
• Vocabulary: Solid use of relevant terms.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Band 65-70 Response:

Many companies are providing mental health services but unless the management encourages employees to join, these policies might not work effectively.

• Content: Covers main points but lacks specifics, such as the link between well-being and productivity.
• Form: Correct sentence length (25 words).
• Grammar: No major issues, but could be rephrased for clarity.
• Vocabulary: Basic and repetitive.
• Spelling: No mistakes.

Top management encouraging participation in mental health programs

Advanced Vocabulary for Summarizing Mental Health Policies

Here are 10 advanced words found in the context of mental health policies in workplaces, along with their meanings and examples:

1. Stigma /ˈstɪɡ.mə/: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular condition.
   Example: “The stigma of mental illness can prevent employees from seeking help.”

2. Burnout /ˈbɜː.naʊt/: A state of physical or emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
   Example: “Mental health programs aim to reduce employee burnout.”

3. Legislation /ˌledʒ.ɪˈsleɪ.ʃən/: Laws, considered collectively.
   Example: “Mental health legislation mandates certain protections for employees.”

4. Repercussions /ˌriː.pəˈkʌʃ.ənz/: Unintended consequences following an event or action.
   Example: “Stigma can create fears of career repercussions among employees.”

5. Counseling /ˈkaʊn.səl.ɪŋ/: Professional advice, typically given by a trained counselor.
   Example: “Access to free counseling services is a vital mental health policy.”

6. Productivity /ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ɪti/: The rate at which goods, services, or outcomes are produced.
   Example: “Improved mental health is linked to higher workplace productivity.”

7. Implementation /ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən/: The process of putting a decision or plan into effect.
   Example: “Successful implementation of policies involves active management support.”

8. Vulnerable /ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/: At risk of harm or damage.
   Example: “Vulnerable employees may benefit the most from mental health support.”

9. Well-being /ˈwelˌbiː.ɪŋ/: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
   Example: “Many policies now focus on improving employees’ mental and emotional well-being.”

10. Flexible /ˈflɛk.sɪbəl/: Capable of being adapted to various needs, especially in work hours.
    Example: “Flexible schedules can help prevent burnout and improve mental health.”

Mental health advanced vocabulary list for workplaces

Conclusion

Summarizing texts related to mental health policies in modern workplaces is a frequent and important task in the PTE Summarize Written Text section. By practicing with these sample answers and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you can effectively prepare for real exam scenarios. Discussing mental health policies is part of a broader motivation to increase awareness about mental health in contemporary society, reinforcing the importance of workplace well-being initiatives. Be sure to apply these skills by practicing regularly!