Mental health has become a hot issue of discussion due to the increase in cases of depression, anxiety, and other mental health illnesses in Kenya and worldwide. The government, media, businesses, educational institutions, and charitable organizations have all made significant, if insufficient, commitments to fight the rising rates of mental illness and tragic fatalities such drug overdoses and suicides. Even though traditional clinical mental health treatments like psychiatry and therapy are often mentioned when discussing mental health, there is a growing understanding that simply expanding access to these services would not adequately meet the needs of the present.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being that significantly impacts an individual’s productivity, engagement, and satisfaction in the workplace. In Kenya, like many other countries, mental health has often been overlooked or stigmatized. However, the importance of mental health initiatives in Kenyan organizations cannot be overstated.
First and foremost, promoting mental health in the workplace is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. When employees feel valued and supported in terms of their mental well-being, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive. This, in turn, can lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates within organizations.
Furthermore, addressing mental health issues proactively can help prevent more severe problems from arising in the future. By providing resources and support for employees to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, organizations can reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and long-term disability claims.
In addition to the individual benefits for employees, investing in mental health initiatives can also have a positive impact on the organization as a whole. Research has shown that companies that prioritize employee well-being tend to have higher levels of employee engagement, better performance outcomes, and improved overall organizational culture.
Human Resources (HR) departments play a crucial role in promoting employee well-being through the implementation of mental health support programs. HR professionals are at the forefront of creating policies and initiatives that foster a mentally healthy workplace culture.
One way HR can promote employee well-being is by raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma through training programs and workshops. By educating both employees and managers about common mental health challenges and how to support one another effectively, HR can create a more understanding and empathetic work environment.
HR can also facilitate access to resources such as counselling services, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or mental health hotlines for those in need of professional support. By partnering with external providers or establishing internal support systems, HR can ensure that employees have access to the help they require when facing mental health difficulties.
Additionally, HR can implement policies that promote work-life balance, stress management techniques, flexible working arrangements, and mindfulness practices within the organization. By encouraging healthy habits and providing opportunities for self-care, HR can contribute to reducing burnout and enhancing overall well-being among employees.
In the end, you have to be the gatekeeper for your own mental well-being and peace. Verify that the gate is strengthened and that you possess the key. Everybody has difficult periods when they are working nonstop and giving their all, but employers must make it obvious that they value their staff members for who they are as well as for what they accomplish. Finding long-term solutions for the workplace and raising awareness of the mental health issues that impact all of us are what we need to do.
Arnold Ochieng is the General Manager of Workforce Africa, an HR solutions provider dealing with employee outsourcing, labour and casual outsourcing and outsourced labour services in 11 countries including Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
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