Individuals with severe mental health issues often face challenges in securing employment, and if they do manage to find jobs, they frequently encounter workplace inequalities. Additionally, being unemployed can adversely affect mental health, as factors such as job loss and financial instability increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. These insights were shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in light of World Mental Health Day, which will be observed on October 10, 2024, under the theme, “It is time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.”
In Fiji, the Ministry of Employment has admitted to lacking the resources and expertise necessary to address mental health concerns within the workplace. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh indicated that the ministry requires support from employers to assist workers facing mental health challenges, acknowledging that the ministry is not fully equipped to tackle this issue.
Singh emphasized the need for employers, particularly those with large workforces, to establish workplace counseling programs to help employees in need. He stated, “We are not that well equipped honestly to see how we can assist with mental well-being,” highlighting the ministry’s limitations in addressing these issues at present.
Empower Pacific, a non-governmental organization that focuses on counseling and social support for those dealing with mental health challenges, has implemented an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in collaboration with employers. This program facilitates counseling for workers who have been referred by their employers to address mental health issues impacting their work and personal lives.
While some individuals seek help through employer referrals, others approach Empower Pacific directly for counseling, or they contact the organization’s 24-hour toll-free helpline at 5626 for assistance with various mental health concerns.
The WHO urges stakeholders, including government bodies, employers, and organizations that represent workers, to take actions that promote mental health in the workplace. Recommended actions include:
– Preventing work-related mental health issues by addressing risk factors.
– Protecting and promoting mental health among employees.
– Supporting workers with mental health conditions to thrive in their roles.
– Creating an environment conducive to change.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of involving workers and those with lived experiences in initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health at work.
To safeguard mental well-being, the WHO suggests training for managers to help them identify and respond to employees in emotional distress, as well as training for workers to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma. It also advocates for individual skill-building interventions to help manage stress and alleviate mental health symptoms.
Individuals with mental health conditions have the right to fair and equitable participation in the workplace, as stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the rights of all disabled individuals, including those with psychosocial disabilities.
To further support workers with mental health conditions, the WHO recommends three interventions:
– Implementing reasonable accommodations in the workplace to adapt tasks and environments to meet the needs of those with mental health conditions, such as flexible hours and modified workloads.
– Developing return-to-work programs that combine workplace care with ongoing treatment to assist workers in rejoining the workforce after a mental health-related absence.
– Establishing supported employment initiatives to help individuals with severe mental health issues gain and maintain paid employment through ongoing support.
Employers interested in prioritizing their employees’ mental health can inquire about the EAP partnership with Empower Pacific. Workers struggling with mental health, whether due to workplace or personal issues, are encouraged to call 5626 for confidential support from qualified counselors. The helpline is funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, with advertising support from the Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset and the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation.