Prioritise mental health issues at workplace

Prof Ohene

 Discrimination, inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity ex­poses workers to some risks of de­veloping mental health problems, a Consultant Psychiatrist, Profes­sor Sammy Ohene, has stated.

According to him, mental health issues among workers could also lead to absenteeism and ‘presen­teeism’ which affects both the individual and the organisation

He defined ‘presenteeism’ as be­ing present but not fully produc­tive while absenteeism was when one is missing at work.

Prof. Ohene said this at a pro­gramme organised by the Depart­ment of Psychiatry of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on the theme: ‘it’s time to prioritise mental health at the workplace.’

According to the Consultant Psychiatrist, high workloads, tight deadlines and long hours can lead to chronic stress and burnout, causing fatigue, irritability, and decreased productivity, adding that work related pressures such as job insecurity, lack of control and workplace conflicts, could trigger or exacerbate anxiety and depression.

Additionally, he noted that strained relationships with col­leagues, supervisors or clients can arise from mental conditions, leading to conflicts and a tox­ic work environment and that employees experiencing mental health conditions may struggle with concentration, decision mak­ing and completing tasks efficient­ly, thereby impacting on their overall performance.

He stated that individuals with mental health conditions were particularly at risk in unhealthy workplaces while those with severe mental disorders were more likely to be excluded from employment, and if they do get employed, they were more likely to experience inequality.

Prof. Ohene also identified being out of work, recent job loss and financial insecurity as risk factors for suicide.

Moreover, he indicated that mental health issues could also manifest physically leading to headaches, stomach aches, mus­cle tension and other somatic complaints.

“Issues that might affect one’s mental health includes exces­sive workload, poor pay caus­ing constant pressure, stigma around mental health, unsafe or poor physical working conditions, under-use of skills or being un­der-skilled for work, understaffing and long, unsocial or inflexible hours,” he added.

Prof. Ohene indicated that in order to prevent work related mental health conditions, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the implemen­tation of organisational interven­tions that directly targets working conditions and environments.

He said these were interven­tions that mitigate, modify or re­move risks to mental health such as flexible working arrangements, implementing frameworks to deal with violence and harassment at work.

WHO, he revealed, also rec­ommends training for workers in mental health literacy and aware­ness to improve knowledge of mental health and reduce stigma against mental health conditions at work.

Also, he called for interventions for individuals to build skills to manage stress and reduce mental health symptoms, including psy­chosocial interventions and oppor­tunities for leisure-based physical activity.

 By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu