Yogyakarta, March 7, 2025
In a continued effort to prioritize mental health in the academic and professional environment, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Directorate of Human Resources (DSDM), successfully held the third batch of its webinar series titled “Mental Wellness: The Key to Happiness and Work Spirit.” The event was conducted online via Zoom on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 08.30 to 11.00 WIB, and was attended by an impressive 762 UGM employees, including 721 supporting staff and 41 lecturers, with a gender distribution of 414 male and 348 female participants.
The webinar was part of UGM’s ongoing initiatives to address the rising need for mental health awareness, particularly in high-pressure academic and administrative environments. The session was delivered by Dr. Shinta Retno Kusumowati, Sp.KJ, a psychiatrist well-known for her engaging and relatable approach to mental health topics. In her presentation, Dr. Shinta emphasized practical tools for identifying early signs of stress and burnout, cultivating emotional resilience, and developing sustainable work-life balance strategies.
The session began with a brief opening and pre-test conducted by the DSDM team, followed by Dr. Shinta’s 90-minute session that combined scientific insight with interactive discussion. Participants were then invited to complete a post-test and feedback survey to evaluate learning outcomes and experience quality.
High Satisfaction and Constructive Feedback
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A significant 82.2% of respondents rated the webinar 5 out of 5, praising both the speaker and the relevance of the topic. Many described the webinar as “very beneficial,” “relatable to everyday challenges,” and “motivating.” Participants particularly appreciated Dr. Shinta’s clear, concise, and empathetic delivery, with one comment highlighting that “the speaker made complex psychological issues easy to understand and apply.”
The event schedule and duration were also favorably reviewed, with 71.7% stating that the session length was ideal and well-paced. Furthermore, the content was perceived as timely and relevant, with over 70% of participants agreeing that the material matched their needs and addressed contemporary workplace challenges.
However, several participants noted that technical aspects such as audio clarity could be improved, recommending that future speakers be provided with proper microphones or technical support before going live. Others expressed interest in having more time for Q&A sessions and suggested that future events be conducted in hybrid or offline formats to allow deeper engagement and networking opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The success of this third batch underscores UGM’s commitment to fostering a supportive and mentally healthy work environment. Mental health remains a pressing issue not only for students but also for faculty and staff who navigate increasing demands in both their personal and professional lives. The DSDM has signaled plans to continue this wellness series regularly and to broaden its scope with new topics, such as emotional intelligence, work-life integration, and digital well-being.
This initiative is aligned with UGM’s broader vision to ensure that all members of its academic community are equipped not only with technical skills but also with the emotional and psychological tools to thrive. As one participant aptly summarized, “Mental health is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity in today’s workplace. We thank UGM for recognizing this and acting on it.”
With a growing recognition of the need for mental wellness across all sectors of higher education, UGM sets a meaningful example for institutions nationwide.
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(HR/Rista)
