Prioritizing Workplace Mental Health: Turning Awareness into Action
May is Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being in our workplaces. This year, the theme is “Turn Awareness into Action”, emphasizing the need to move beyond understanding mental health issues to actively addressing them in our daily work environments.
The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health challenges are prevalent in workplaces worldwide, including Kenya. Factors such as workload pressures, job insecurity, and lack of support can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout among employees. Addressing these issues is not only a moral imperative but also a business necessity, as a mentally healthy workforce is more engaged, productive, and loyal.
In Kenya, approximately 3.7 million workers may be grappling with mental health disorders, contributing to a 0.6% loss of the nation’s GDP in 2021 due to diminished productivity. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health introduced Kenya’s inaugural National Guidelines on Workplace Mental Wellness in 2023. These guidelines aim to promote mental well-being and create robust support systems for employees facing mental health issues.
Practical Steps for Employers
Employers play a crucial role in fostering a mentally healthy workplace. Here are some practical steps to consider:
Foster Open Conversations-Create a culture where discussing mental health is normalized. Encourage leaders to share their experiences and support employees in seeking help when needed.
Provide Access to Resources-Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, and wellness initiatives to support employees' mental well-being.
Implement Flexible Work Arrangements-Allowing flexibility in work hours or remote work can help employees manage stress and achieve a better work-life balance.
Promote Resilience Training-Equip employees with skills to cope with stress and adapt to challenges through resilience-building programs.
Encourage Self-Care-Advocate for regular breaks, physical activity, and mindfulness practices to help employees recharge and maintain their mental health.
Building a Supportive Community-Feeling supported by colleagues and having a sense of community can significantly enhance employees' mental well-being.
How A Company Secretary Can Support Your Business.
A company secretary can play a critical role in ensuring that mental wellness becomes part of an organization’s governance and compliance strategy. Here’s how:
Policy Development and Compliance-Assist in drafting and implementing workplace mental health policies that align with Kenya’s National Guidelines and relevant labor laws.
Board-Level Reporting-Facilitate the inclusion of employee wellness metrics in board meetings, ensuring mental health is treated as a strategic priority.
Training and Awareness-Coordinate governance-focused training for directors and senior management on mental health responsibilities and obligations.
Workplace Governance Audits-Conduct or support audits that assess the organization’s compliance with mental health provisions under OSHA 2007 and other regulatory frameworks.
Stakeholder Communication-Ensure clear and consistent communication between leadership and employees regarding mental health initiatives, rights, and available resources.
Embedding Wellness in Corporate Culture-Guide companies in embedding mental health considerations into their core values, policies, and strategic plans.
At Azali, we understand the significance of mental health in the workplace. As a company secretarial service provider, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment for our team and clients. We encourage businesses to take proactive steps in addressing mental health and creating workplaces where employees feel valued and supported.