Mental health and wellness in the workplace

The prevalence of mental health challenges in the African Region, as highlighted by the UN report on mental health, necessitates urgent attention, especially in the workplace.

The report indicated that in 2019, the region recorded the highest suicide rate globally, estimated at 11.2 per 100 000 population. WHO estimated Namibia alone reported a rate of 9.7 per 100 000 population, primarily attributed to mental stress. Scholars pointed out that mental health is intrinsic and instrumental to the lives of all people, as it influences how we think, feel and act.

It underpins our ability to make decisions and build relationships at the workplace.

Recognising the impact of mental health on individuals' lives underscores the urgent necessity to address mental health issues in the workplace.

HR role

Human resources practitioners play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of employees. Beyond their traditional responsibilities of administering conditions of service and employee benefits, HR professionals are also entrusted with essential psychological support.

This support is crucial to maintaining the mental well-being of employees, a factor that significantly influences their ability to fulfil organisational mandates. The Ministry of Justice depends on HR officers to recruit professionals with diverse educational backgrounds, including legal experts, to fulfil its mandate of ensuring accessible justice and delivering high-quality legal services.

A successful example involves the HR team hiring brilliant legal experts and professionals with extensive knowledge and innovative approaches, as this will significantly contribute to the ministry's goal of providing effective and equitable legal services to the public. Therefore, it is crucial for the Ministry of Justice or any other ministries to implement strategies that bolster support for the mental well-being of its employees. This approach will foster an environment that nurtures and sustains these professionals, leading to higher job satisfaction, increased retention rates, and improved overall well-being.

Personal perspective

In the public service sector, high turnover rates pose a significant concern for HR practitioners. The demanding workload and resulting work stress often drive dedicated staff members to seek more mentally nourishing environments. To counter this trend, it is recommended that employers invest in wellness activities and mental health checks for staff members. This not only fosters employee recognition and motivation but also aligns with the African ethos of Ubuntu, which says, ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’.

Impact of mental health and wellness

Neglecting mental health in the workplace leads to adverse effects such as poor productivity, increased absenteeism, high staff turnover and subpar performance. Additionally, mental health issues contribute to psychological challenges like anxiety and depression, hindering concentration and decision-making abilities. Establishing a comprehensive workplace mental health support and wellness programme is imperative to counter these issues. Such initiatives not only benefit employees' health but also enhance performance and reduce turnover rates.

Overall health

Prioritising mental health education and wellness in the workplace is crucial for fostering a supportive organisational culture. By improving understanding and increasing access to mental health care, organisations can contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce. Human resources practitioners are responsible for ensuring that employees receive timely and effective mental health services. Ultimately, while work is essential, it should never come at the expense of one's health.