The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the staggering economic and human cost of workplace-related mental health issues, with global losses reaching $1 trillion and 12 billion workdays annually due to depression and anxiety.
According to the WHO, mental health challenges in the workplace are driven by factors such as discrimination, poor working conditions, inadequate pay, harassment, bullying, and lack of control over job responsibilities.
Emphasising that the workplace itself can be a major source of stress, affecting both physical and mental health, the WHO called for an urgent reassessment of work environments and their impact on employee well-being.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, in her message on Thursday, emphasized the relevance of this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Healthy Minds at Work, Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace’, where she highlighted the challenges faced by workers, particularly the most vulnerable groups, and stressed the urgent need to address these issues.
World Mental Health Day is commemorated yearly on October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide as well as mobilize efforts to support mental well-being.
In marking World Mental Health Day, Matshidiso Moeti emphasized that this year’s theme, ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace, highlights the significant impact work has on our lives and underscores the urgent need to address mental health in professional environments.
She 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.
“However, workplaces can also be significant sources of stress, negatively affecting both physical and mental health.
“Factors such as discrimination, poor working conditions, being underpaid or undervalued, harassment, bullying, and lack of control can all contribute to mental health challenges at work.
“Certain workers, such as those in health and emergency services, low-paid or insecure jobs, and casual labour, are particularly vulnerable due to limited support, job security, and legal protections.
“On the flip side, poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and higher staff turnover.
“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.
“Despite these challenges, only 8 of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region reported having mental health promotion programs in workplaces by 2020, and only 3 had active collaborations between mental health services and labour departments.
“Urgent action is needed to protect, promote, and support mental health in the workplace. WHO, through its guidelines on mental health at work and in collaboration with the International Labor Organization, recommends key actions for governments, employers, and other stakeholders”.
To address the issue, she said the government to review and implement employment and health policies that ensure parity between mental and physical health in collaboration with workers’ organizations; and align employment laws with international human rights treaties to prevent discrimination against workers with mental health conditions; establish pathways between health, social, and employment services to facilitate supported employment and return-to-work programs; and build capacity in primary care, occupational health, and mental health services to address mental health conditions at work.
In addition, the WHO chief also urged employers to incorporate mental health as a core component of occupational safety and health systems; develop specific mental health policies and programs based on WHO recommendations, including training for managers and workers; equip managers to identify and address stressors, support their teams, and manage their stress; and offer reasonable accommodations to support workers with mental health conditions.
However, workers were also advised to prioritize their mental health, learn stress management techniques, strive for a balanced lifestyle recognize signs when mental health is declining, and seek support from trusted individuals, colleagues, or health professionals.
“As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to investing in mental health in the workplace because investing in people is the best investment any organization can make.
“A mentally healthy workforce is engaged, innovative, motivated, and productive, contributing to the success of any organization,” Moeti admonished.
