Every year, the world mental health day is celebrated on the 10th 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. After all, 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 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.
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
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