Individuals with serious mental health issues are often more likely to face exclusion from the workforce and experience workplace inequality if employed. Furthermore, unemployment poses significant risks to mental well-being, as job loss and financial instability can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. These insights are part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on workplace mental health.
World Mental Health Day 2024 will be observed on October 10, focusing on the theme: “It is time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.” In Fiji, the Ministry of Employment is reported to be lacking in the necessary resources and expertise to effectively tackle mental health issues in the workplace. Fiji’s Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh stated that the ministry is not adequately equipped to manage these challenges and will rely on employers to support their employees’ mental health.
Singh emphasized the need for employers to provide workplace counseling services, as the ministry is currently unable to address these mental health concerns. In response to these issues, Empower Pacific, an NGO, has established an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that collaborates with employers to offer counseling services for workplace-related mental health problems. Workers can receive help through referrals from their employers, as well as by visiting the NGO’s offices or calling their 24/7 helpline for various mental health concerns.
The WHO outlines several strategies for improving mental health in the workplace, advising that governments, employers, and representative organizations all play a role in creating a healthier work environment. These strategies include preventing work-related mental illnesses, protecting and promoting mental health, supporting employees with mental health conditions, and fostering an environment conducive to change.
To safeguard mental health, the WHO suggests manager training for recognizing emotional distress, enhancing workers’ awareness of mental health to reduce stigma, and implementing individual interventions that assist in stress management and overall mental health improvement.
Moreover, it is crucial to uphold the rights of individuals with mental health conditions to engage fully and fairly in the workplace, as highlighted by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The WHO calls for reasonable accommodations in the workplace, return-to-work programs for those recovering from mental health issues, and supported employment initiatives that help individuals with severe mental health conditions secure and maintain jobs.
Employers concerned about their employees’ mental health can reach out to Empower Pacific regarding the EAP, while workers facing challenges can confidentially seek support by calling the helpline at 5626. This helpline is backed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade and supported by various local organizations.