World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace
On World Mental Health Day, October 10th, it’s essential to reflect on the critical importance of mental health in our lives. This year’s theme, “Mental Health and the Workplace,” serves as a powerful reminder that fostering a healthy work environment is essential not only for employee well-being but also for the success of organizations, including NGOs.
Research shows that mental health issues can lead to decreased productivity and higher absenteeism, which ultimately impacts the entire organization. Thus, prioritizing mental health isn’t just a compassionate decision; it’s a strategic necessity.
Key Facts from the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Nearly 60% of the global population is employed, and all workers have the right to a safe and healthy work environment.
- In 2019, approximately 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder.
- Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, costing around $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
- Effective actions can prevent mental health risks, protect and promote mental health at work, and support workers with mental health conditions.
Mental Health for humanitarian workers
Humanitarian workers are often the first to respond in times of crisis, facing complex, high-pressure situations as they support communities in need. From war-torn regions to areas devastated by natural disasters, these frontline responders encounter trauma, stress, and mental exhaustion regularly.
At Heartland Alliance International (HAI), we recognize that caring for our staff’s mental health and wellbeing is key to ensuring they can continue their life-changing work in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Mental health also significantly affects employee performance, productivity, and overall workplace culture. Humanitarian work often exposes staff to secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. The unpredictable nature of crises, combined with the emotional toll of witnessing human suffering, underscores the need for mental health support as a vital component of our operational strategy. -Yassmin Odeh, Global MHPSS Advisor at HAI.
Our response and path forward
As we navigate the complexities of the humanitarian landscape, we are committed to implementing effective strategies that prioritize mental well-being in our workplace. Our approach is centered around three key initiatives designed to support our staff, foster resilience, and create an environment where mental health is valued and prioritized. We are also bringing this focus to our international programs from Iraq to Ukraine as we work in solidarity with our local partners to develop staff care policies and prevent burnout- promoting sustained, locally led responses to growing conflicts worldwide.
- Promoting Mental Health support through our employee assistance program (EAP) that provides a variety of resources, including counseling services and mental health support, to help employees navigate the challenges they may face. Many of our team members have benefited from these services, sharing how their improved mental well-being has positively impacted both their personal and professional lives. These stories underscore the transformative power of accessible mental health resources.
- Trauma-Informed care approach: Understanding that many individuals have experienced trauma, we’ve implemented a trauma-informed care strategy. This includes creating a safe and supportive work environment, establishing policies that prioritize employee well-being, and offering ongoing training to educate staff about trauma-informed care. Our goal is to ensure that every employee feels understood, respected, and supported in their mental health journey.
- Building a mindful workplace: We strive to create an environment where employees feel safe to express their emotional challenges and where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Our approach is tailored to the specific needs of the regions where we operate. By working with local mental health professionals and community leaders, we ensure our programs are culturally sensitive and appropriate, providing support to our staff no matter where they are.
Time to Act: Building healthier workplaces for all
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their own mental health and the resources available. At HAI, we stand by our employees, ensuring they have access to various resources and emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed.
By prioritizing mental health, we’re not just enhancing individual lives – we’re building stronger, more resilient organizations. Together, we can create a culture of care that benefits not only our teams but also the communities we support. Let’s take this opportunity to make meaningful changes, promote open conversations about mental health, and ensure that every employee knows they are not alone in their journey.
