Employers should prioritise mental health – MHA
The Alliance for Mental Health and Development (Mental Health Alliance) has called on employers particularly government to take practical steps to prioritise mental health in the workplace.
A survey shows that nearly 7% of GDP is lost due to psychological distress, compared with 4% of GDP lost to malaria.
A statement issued by the Mental Health Alliance to mark this year’s World Mental Health day called on employers to initiate support systems and create access to mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), and counselling services, and ensure that the resources are well communicated to employees and easily accessible.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health day is, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” serves as a timely reminder of the vital
role mental health play in the overall health of employees and organisations alike, especially, as 60% of the global population is in employment and
employees spend 60% of their time in the workplace.
The statement urged employers to promote frank conversations about mental health by creating a safe environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of being labelled.
Organisations should also equip team leaders and managers with the skills to recognise signs of mental distress and to support mental health needs of their teams effectively. Such training should emphasise empathetic communication and promoting inclusive, supportive environments.
The statement recommended that organisations should promote behaviours that encourage a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible work
hours, remote work options, mandatory leave, recreational activities, and regular breaks.
It said pioritising workplace mental health was not just a responsibility of human resource managers; but required firm commitment from every
level of an organisation.
As we advocate improved mental health awareness, it is important to recognise that a supportive workplace culture benefits everyone –
employees, employers, and the community at large.
World Mental Day is celebrated on the 10th of October every year to create awareness and promote the importance of mental health in one’s own
life and in society.