Employers urged to prioritise mental health of workers

Employers are being encouraged to prioritise the mental health of workers to ensure their well-being and to boost productivity. 

One of the significant ways to do this is through the establishment of employees’ assistance programme (EAP) at workplaces to address mental health-related issues affecting workers.

That would help to reduce mental health issues, stigma associated with it, and ultimately boost productivity.

The Executive Director of BasicNeeds Ghana, Peter Badimak Yaro, who made the call, emphasised that many employees faced significant mental health challenges and needed support to overcome such issues.

BasicNeeds Ghana is a health-centred non-governmental organisation. 

World Mental Health Day

Mr Yaro was speaking at a mental health awareness event at the Tamale Central Prison to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day in Tamale last Friday.

The event, held on the theme: "It's time to make mental health at the workplace a priority", brought together prison officers and other stakeholders to discuss how to address workplace mental health challenges.

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues globally and mobilise efforts to support mental well-being.

Established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the day provides an opportunity to discuss mental health challenges, advocate better mental health services and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024, “Mental health is a universal human right,” focuses on recognising mental health as a critical part of overall health and advocating  access to mental health care for all. 

Conducive environment

Mr Yaro indicated that workers spent approximately 60 per cent of their day at work, making the workplace environment critical to their mental health and productivity.

He said mental health issues in the workplace, compounded by stigma and discrimination, often prevented workers from performing at their best.

"There is no conducive environment when the workplace is toxic. Discrimination and marginalisation limit an employee's ability to give their best; that is why the employees assistance programme (EAP) is essential for creating supportive environments for all workers," Mr Yaro added.

Commendation

The Northern Regional Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS), Superintendent David Kwame Afatsawu, commended BasicNeeds Ghana for choosing the GPS for this year's mental health awareness programme.

He noted that the programme would greatly benefit officers, given the demanding nature of their job.

“Our work often requires us to be on duty around the clock. This initiative will help officers manage the pressures of their work environment and maintain their mental health," he remarked.