In a message marking World Mental Health Day 2024, the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, emphasized the need for urgent action to support mental health in workplaces across the continent.
Dr. Moeti emphasized that while work provides structure and purpose, it can also be a significant source of stress.
“Workplaces can be significant sources of stress that negatively affect both physical and mental health,” she stated.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Minds at Work: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the vital role of work in shaping individual lives and the overall economy.
Factors like discrimination, poor working conditions, and job insecurity contribute to these challenges, creating environments that can harm mental well-being.
She said certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including those in health services, low-paid jobs, and casual labor.
“These workers often face inadequate support, limited job security, and insufficient legal protections. We must recognize these vulnerabilities and act to provide the necessary support,” Dr. Moeti urged.
The economic implications of neglecting mental health in the workplace are staggering. Dr. Moeti highlighted that depression and anxiety result in a loss of approximately 12 billion workdays globally each year, costing the global economy around $1 trillion. This financial burden emphasizes the need for urgent action to support mental health initiatives.
“Despite the pressing need, the current landscape is concerning. Only 8 out of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region reported having mental health promotion programs in workplaces by 2020. Furthermore, only 3 countries have established active collaborations between mental health services and labor departments,” she added.
In her address, Dr. Moeti called on governments to take decisive steps to protect mental health in the workplace.
“We need to review and implement employment and health policies that ensure parity between mental and physical health, this collaboration with workers’ organizations is essential for creating effective policies,” she recommended.
Employers also play a crucial role in this effort. Dr. Moeti urged them to incorporate mental health as a core component of occupational safety and health systems.
“Developing specific mental health policies and programs is vital,” she noted.
Equipping managers to identify and address stressors is key to fostering a supportive work environment.
“Managers must learn to support their teams and manage their own stress,” Dr. Moeti said. Offering reasonable accommodations for workers with mental health conditions is another important step.
Individuals, too, have a role to play in prioritizing mental health. “We should learn stress management techniques and strive for a balanced lifestyle,” Dr. Moeti advised.
Recognizing the signs of declining mental health and seeking support is crucial for maintaining well-being.
As World Mental Health Day is observed, the call to action is clear. Investing in mental health in the workplace is not just beneficial for individuals but essential for organizational success and economic stability.
“A mentally healthy workforce is engaged, innovative, motivated, and productive,” Dr. Moeti concluded.
The global community is urged to unite in this mission, creating workplaces that support mental well-being. Only through collective efforts can we ensure that mental health is prioritized, leading to healthier workplaces and societies.
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