Daud Olatunji
The need to prioritise mental health in the workplace took center stage during the 2024 World Mental Health Day commemoration held at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Themed “It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” the event featured insights from mental health professionals, including Dr. Paul Agboola, the Provost and Chief Medical Director of the hospital, who emphasised the crucial role mental stability plays in workforce productivity.
Dr. Agboola, speaking to newsmen after the event, underscored the global recognition of mental health’s impact on workforce efficiency.
“A stable workforce is the foundation of a nation’s economy. When mental health is compromised, productivity suffers,” Agboola said.
He added that the global fear of the unknown and increasing pressures in the workplace are eroding mental wellness.
“A sick workforce will yield poor outcomes, and this affects the entire economy,” he noted.
Agboola traced the history of World Mental Health Day, emphasising the significance of the annual themes since their introduction in 1992.
“This year’s theme reflects how mental health challenges go beyond just physical illnesses like malaria or typhoid.
Cognitive well-being is crucial, and the mental state of workers impacts not only their output but also their ability to cope with stress in an ever-evolving technological environment,” he explained.
He warned that the pressure on workers to compete with artificial intelligence, coupled with poor tolerance for human error, creates an unhealthy work environment that must be addressed.
Agboola called for employers to take a more human-centred approach to workplace mental health.
“Machines may replace workers, but humans have emotional intelligence. Employers must provide a supportive environment that prioritises the mental well-being of employees.”
Another speaker at the event, Dr. Abayomi Olajide, a consultant psychiatrist at the hospital and Secretary General of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, shed light on the causes of mental health issues in the workplace, citing the “Japa syndrome” as a key factor.
“With many professionals, especially in the healthcare sector, migrating abroad for better opportunities, the remaining workforce is left with an overwhelming workload,” Olajide explained.
He further highlighted poor remuneration, inadequate training, insecurity, and hazardous working conditions as additional contributors to mental health challenges in Nigerian workplaces.
Olajide stressed the need for personal well-being practices such as adequate sleep, healthy eating, and avoiding illicit substances.
“Work-life balance is critical. Government and employers must invest in welfare and wellness programs, and salaries must be regularly reviewed to reflect the impact of the economy,” he added.
Mrs. Olaitan Olufunmilayo Oluremi, Deputy Director of Nursing, spoke on the importance of work-life balance.
“There must be a clear boundary between work and personal life. When you’re at work, work efficiently, but when you leave, do not take work home,” Oluremi advised. She also highlighted self-care as a critical component of mental well-being, especially for healthcare workers.
“Many nurses neglect their health while working, skipping meals and breaks. We must take care of ourselves to maintain a healthy balance between our professional and personal lives.”
Concluding the series of expert insights, Dr. Olanrewaju Sodehinde, Deputy Director of Clinical Psychology at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, addressed the issue of conflict management in the workplace.
He pointed out that conflicts, whether between colleagues or between management and staff, are inevitable but must be managed effectively to prevent a decline in productivity.
“When conflicts are not resolved, it results in poor service delivery, customer dissatisfaction, and ultimately, a loss of profitability,” he stated.
He praised the current administration of the hospital for adopting a collaborative approach to conflict resolution, which has significantly improved workplace harmony.
“When employees feel involved in decision-making, they are more committed, and this has helped to reduce conflicts,” Sodehinde said.
The experts collectively called for greater investment in mental health programs, improved working conditions, and the creation of a supportive environment that recognizes the unique needs of human workers in an increasingly automated world.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that their message was clear: mental health is not just an individual issue but a collective responsibility that impacts the entire nation’s well-being.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
