Every year, the world mental health day is celebrated on the 10 th of October to create
awareness about salient issues around mental health. This year, the theme was chosen to
highlight the importance of mental health in the workplace. It is estimated that at least 15 –
20% of working adults will be experiencing one form of mental health challenge or the other.
This translates to roughly 1 in 5 adults in the workplace. Unfortunately, this is frequently
poorly understood, missed or treated inappropriately with disciplinary measures. Whereas
what they need is understanding, treatment and support.
Why is this important?
The most important resource of any organization or nation is her HUMAN RESOURCE. And
we acknowledge that a healthy workforce is critical for optimal performance and wellbeing.
Afterall, health is wealth. But how do we know that our workforce is healthy? What does it
mean to enjoy good health?
Health is defined as a state of complete physical, MENTAL and social wellbeing, according
to the WHO. What this definition implies is that health sits on three legs: a physical leg, a
mental leg and a social leg. Thus, we cannot talk about prioritizing a healthy workforce for
maximal productivity without paying attention to the three components of health – physical,
mental and social. This year’s theme focuses on mental health in the workplace.
Mental illness negatively impacts on productivity and costs a lot of money in terms of lost
productivity. Globally, depression and anxiety lead to 12 billion lost workdays each year and
this translates to a cost of about $1 trillion dollars every year in lost productivity.
The proportion of the global population in the workforce is estimated at about 60%.
Furthermore, beyond providing financial income to cover living expenses, decent work
promotes confidence, gives a sense of purpose, as well as enhances positive relationships
within the workplace community. But for individuals who are experiencing mental health
challenges, the workplace can be a very stressful and hostile environment. This is more likely
to be true when there is bullying and harassment, shame and stigma as well as discrimination.
Other negative workplace characteristics include rigid and inflexible work hours,
inconsiderate and excessive workloads, discrimination, toxicity and lack of support from
colleagues and superiors at work.
What can we do to improve mental health in the workplace?
The starting point is a realization of the importance of mental health in the workplace. All
stakeholders must appreciate and be committed to promoting this, especially as employers of
labour. In doing this, they will not be doing a favour to their employees but will be ensuring
that their business and organizations thrive and flourish because their staff are healthy and
motivated to give their best. So, it is best conceptualized as a win-win for everyone
concerned. Governments, employers, worker organizations, and other stakeholders must
work together to improve mental health at work by focusing on mental health promotion,
prevention, early identification and treatment as well as rehabilitation.
- Promotion and Protection of Mental Health
This involves providing a safe and enabling work environment where everyone can thrive
and put in their best. This can also entail open communication, empathy and support as
well as promoting awareness about emotional wellbeing, stress management and where to
go for help and support – with the backing of the management or human resources unit. - Preventing Mental Disorders in the Workplace
Every workplace should actively put measures in place to prevent stressors and other
psychosocial risks such as bullying, harassment, discrimination in the workplace. - Supporting Workers with Mental Health Conditions to Participate and Thrive in
the Workplace In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(UNCRPD) which emphasizes the rights of individuals with disabilities, including
psychosocial disabilities, every person with mental health conditions deserve to work in
an atmosphere devoid of shame, stigma and discrimination. Specifically, the WHO
recommends three key interventions that should strengthen and support individuals with
mental health conditions in the workplace:
1) Reasonable accommodation by the organization that allows for some flexibility
in the work environment to accommodate the needs of individuals with mental
health conditions, such as access to attend to clinic appointments, flexible hours
etc. 2)Return-to-work programs that builds on reasonable accommodation by ensuring
that employees can return to work after mental health related leave of absence, in
a seamless and supported manner. 3)Supported employment opportunities to provide work opportunities that are supported and protected as well as vocational support for individuals with severe mental health issues.
Conclusion
There is no health without mental health in the workplace. The starting point is the promotion
of awareness and open conversations around mental health, devoid of shame, stigma, or
discrimination. This should be followed by mental health promotion, as well as early
identification, treatment and ongoing support for affected persons in the workplace. All hands
must be on deck.
Dr Jibril Abdulmalik
Tribune Article for the column “Your Mental Health & You”
Thursday, 10th October 2024
Asido Foundation
www.asidofoundation.com
Asivuri Consulting
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