The Alliance for Mental Health and Development (Mental Health Alliance) gathered to commemorate the 2024 World Mental Health Day. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of urgency as they emphasized the crucial need to prioritize mental well-being in the workplace. Apexnewsgh reports
This year’s theme, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” served as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role mental health plays in the overall health of employees and organizations. In today’s fast-paced and often stressful work environment, mental health challenges are on the rise. Anxiety, depression, burnout, and absenteeism are becoming increasingly common, affecting not only individual well-being but also productivity and workplace morale.
The Alliance shared staggering statistics that highlighted the global economic cost of mental health issues, emphasizing the need for immediate action. In Ghana, the situation was equally concerning, with a recent survey revealing that nearly 7% of GDP is lost due to psychological distress, compared to 4% lost to malaria. Additionally, a survey found that only 31% of employees strongly agreed that their company had successfully addressed employee well-being, including mental health and morale.
Despite these alarming statistics, the Alliance recognized that the stigma surrounding mental health continued to hinder open conversations and effective workplace support systems. They called on employers, particularly the government, to take practical steps to prioritize mental health in the workplace.
To create a mentally healthy work environment, the Alliance recommended creating safe spaces for employees to discuss mental health concerns without fear of judgment, initiating support systems such as Employee Assistance Programs and counseling services, equipping team leaders with skills to recognize signs of mental distress, promoting work-life balance through flexible work hours, remote work options, and regular breaks, and regularly assessing employee mental health needs and implementing practical strategies for improvement.
The Alliance emphasized that prioritizing workplace mental health wasn’t just the responsibility of human resource managers; it required a firm commitment from every level of an organization. By making mental health a priority, they believed that environments could be created where individuals could thrive, feel supported, and perform at their best.
As the Mental Health Alliance commemorated World Mental Health Day, they urged everyone to pledge to make mental health a priority in every workplace. They emphasized the need for collective action to break down stigma, promote mental well-being, and invest in the future of employees, organizations, and society.
The Alliance for Mental Health and Development, with its eight regional chapters across Ghana, is a national network of over 300 civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations engaged in mental health advocacy. They are committed to promoting mental health awareness and supporting initiatives that prioritize mental well-being
