Individuals suffering from severe mental health issues are often marginalized in the job market. Even those who manage to secure employment frequently face discrimination and inequality in the workplace. Furthermore, the lack of employment itself can significantly impact mental health. Factors such as unemployment, financial instability, and recent job loss are linked to increased risks of suicidal thoughts, which may escalate to suicide attempts. These insights are highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in relation to mental health in occupational settings.
World Mental Health Day 2024, themed “It is time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” will be observed on October 10. In Fiji, the Ministry of Employment admits it lacks the necessary resources and expertise to tackle mental health challenges in professional environments. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh stated that the ministry requires collaboration with employers to effectively address these mental health concerns among their staff. He acknowledged the ministry’s limitations in providing mental health support, emphasizing that employers should lead initiatives such as workplace counseling.
Empower Pacific, an NGO dedicated to delivering counseling and social support services, has established an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through partnerships with employers. This program allows for the referral of workers to counselors when they face mental health challenges that impact their job performance. However, often the issues are multifaceted, stemming from both work-related and personal circumstances, complicating the situations faced by these workers.
Beyond employer referrals, individuals also independently seek counseling from Empower Pacific, either by visiting the NGO’s office or by calling a 24/7 toll-free helpline at 5626 for diverse mental health concerns.
The WHO emphasizes that various stakeholders, including government entities, employers, and organizations representing both workers and employers, can collaboratively enhance mental health at work. Effective actions include preventing work-related mental health issues, promoting mental wellbeing, supporting workers with mental health challenges, and creating environments conducive to positive changes.
The WHO also advocates for several key strategies to protect mental health, including:
– Training managers to better identify and assist employees experiencing emotional distress, fostering interpersonal skills, and addressing workplace stressors.
– Providing workers with mental health education to increase awareness and combat stigma.
– Implementing individual interventions that equip employees with skills to manage stress and mitigate mental health symptoms through psychosocial support and physical activity initiatives.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, individuals with mental health conditions have the right to participate fully and equitably in the workforce. The WHO outlines three interventions to assist those with mental health challenges in gaining and maintaining employment:
– Reasonable accommodations that tailor the work environment to meet the needs and preferences of employees with mental health conditions, such as flexible working schedules or modified workloads.
– Return-to-work programs that combine work-focused care with ongoing clinical support to help individuals reintegrate into the workplace after a mental health-related absence.
– Supported employment initiatives which provide continued mental health and vocational assistance to individuals with severe mental health issues to help them secure and retain jobs.
Employers concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of their staff are encouraged to reach out to Empower Pacific regarding the EAP partnership. Employees facing mental health challenges at work or home can confidentially speak to a qualified counselor by calling the helpline at 5626. This helpline is backed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade and features promotional support from the Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset and Fijian Broadcasting Corporation.