WHO calls for prioritisation of mental health in Workplace

.. Says nearly 12 billion workdays lost to depression, anxiety annually

By Chioma Obinna

On this year’s World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organisation, WHO, on Thursday called for support for mental health in the workplace, lamenting that depression and anxiety result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays each year globally.

Making this call in her message to mark the Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who stressed the need for attention to the crucial importance of mental health in the workplace, said a healthy work environment not only provides structure and purpose but also fosters social connections, giving individuals a sense of personal value and identity.

Each year on October 10th, WHO and the global community mark World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide and mobilise efforts to support mental well-being.

This year’s theme is: “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.”

According to Moeti, this year’s theme underscored the crucial role of work in shaping lives, adding that, workplaces can also be significant sources of stress, negatively affecting both physical and mental health.

According to Moeti, factors such as discrimination, poor working conditions, underpayment, harassment, bullying, and lack of control can all contribute to mental health challenges at work.

“Certain workers, including those in healthcare and emergency services, low-paid or insecure jobs, and casual labour, are particularly vulnerable due to limited support, job security, and legal protections.”

Continuing, she said the consequences of poor mental health in the workplace are far-reaching.

“Depression and anxiety result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays globally each year, costing the global economy around $1 trillion. “Additionally, people with severe mental health conditions are often excluded from employment or face inequality and stigma in the workplace.

She regretted that despite these challenges, only a small number of countries (only 8 of the 47 countries) in the WHO African Region reported having mental health promotion programmes in workplaces by 2020, and only 3 had active collaborations between mental health services and labour departments.

She however recommended key actions for governments, employers, and individuals to protect, promote, and support mental health in the workplace.

She encouraged governments to review and implement policies that ensure parity between mental and physical health, align employment laws with international human rights treaties, establish pathways between health, social, and employment services, and build capacity in mental health services.

“Employers can incorporate mental health into occupational safety and health systems, develop specific mental health policies and programs, equip managers to identify and address stressors, offer reasonable accommodations for workers with mental health conditions, and prioritize mental health in their organisational culture.

“Individuals can prioritize their mental health, learn stress management techniques, recognize signs when mental health is declining, and seek support from trusted individuals, colleagues, or health professionals.”

WHO further urged governments and organisations to commit to investing in mental health in the workplace as investing in people is the best investment any organisation can make.