Redefining Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing; A Strategic Business Priority Post COVID-19

Heralding the new year with bells chiming unique symphonic rhythms and splashing fireworks, did not bear the slightest indication of a transitional pause in our normalcy. Suddenly came a clarion call to stay at home with words like social distancing, lockdown, Covid-19, coronavirus, pandemic, quarantine, nose mask, PPE, becoming part of our daily vocabulary. The overwhelming amount of anxiety-laden news has heightened stress levels.

The collective vulnerability this uncharted territory presents, has undoubtedly taken a toll on our mental state. The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has presented a defining moment for the importance of mental health and the urgent need to create a mentally healthy workplace. Employers cannot afford to turn a blind eye or sideline mental health issues at the workplace It is a crucial time to have appropriate mental health facilities in place for businesses, to help achieve sustainable success throughout this crisis and beyond. Psycho-social or mental wellbeing of employees is a major catalyst that would determine whether businesses survive this turbulent transitional phase and emerging new realities.

It is also vital that employers accelerate plans to develop comprehensive mental health policies to effectively cope with the aftermath issues such as anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD), flashbacks,remote working fatigue etc. that would impact the organisation’s mental capital post Covid-19. To help employees thrive at work post Covid-19, it is salient that physical and mental health are equally placed on the headlines of the business agenda in terms equitable distribution of resources.

Recent Research predicts that mental health problems will be the leading cause of mortality and
morbidity globally by 2030. Research has also demonstrated the benefits for businesses that support peoples’ mental health. The World Health Organisation estimates that for every $1 invested in the treatment and support of mental health issues, a return of $4 in improved health and productivity is seen. Jamap P. & Staglin G. 2019

The World Economic Forum and Global Agenda Council on Well-being and Mental Health, in a document covering 2012-2014, indicated that a healthy and satisfied population creates not only a more productive workforce, which in turn improves a country’s economic growth, but also an enhanced quality of life, leading to more sustainable development “

Recognizing and stimulating well-being in workplaces and communities is essential for long-term
economic and social success,” The document expatiated further.

In today’s fast paced, high-technological world, employees often find it difficult striking a balance between the demands of their job and their personal lives, creating the unhealthy build-up of emotional and psychological challenges. In the absence of employee assertiveness, the end results are a direct hit on bottom-line due to ineffective & sub-optimal work practices. The world is changing dramatically and will continue post Covid-19. Only resilient businesses will be better placed to manage the mental challenges created by pandemic. Developed countries continue to proactively invest in the provision of psycho-social well-being servicesfor their citizens. It is critical that we rethink prevention measures to safeguard the mental wellbeing of Africans. Optimizing the
mental health of employees benefits both employers and employees. For employers, these include increased performance and productivity, retention of quality staff, reduction in absenteeism, reduction in cost of healthcare and the creation of a positive work environment that boosts morale. For employees, work-life balance is achieved while preventing high risk diseases. They also have a greater sense of wellbeing, improved relationships and generally reduced stress and burnout.

Exploring psycho-social wellbeing programmes such as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps reposition workforce and business to accomplish goals. Many organisations are opting for EAP because they recognise the value of early intervention as critical to the survival and viability of their business. Mental health literacy courses should also be a staple training resource to assist managers in supporting staff.

A meaningful and sustained wellbeing policy and workplace interventions that supports mental health should no longer be deemed as extravagance but a business imperative as we transition to readjusting and resettling in the post Covid-19 new normal.

Written By: Patience Osekre (Consultant Psychotherapist and a Wellness Expert, EAP-Africa)