Jare Olukotun
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2024, Easygold Initiative for Mental Health Awareness organized an online symposium to engage the public as way of bringing attention to the issue.
The symposium, which is the second edition, was themed: ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’, which took place virtually, was aimed at emphasizing the importance of mental health in the workplace and how both employers and employees can collaborate to improve mental well-being.
The Convener, Mr. Temidayo Hassan, in his opening remarks, stressed the need for greater awareness of mental health issues, particularly in professional settings.
He highlighted the global rise in workplace stress and burnout, and called for a collective effort to make mental health a priority in every organization.
The Guest speaker, a mental health counselor affiliated with Wood’s Home in Canada, Monisola Badru, delivered a compelling presentation on the role of employers in supporting the mental health of their employees.
She pointed out that the adoption of mental health policies in the workplace could significantly boost employee’s productivity and, in turn, increase revenue.
“When employers actively promote mental well-being, it creates a supportive environment where employees can thrive. In the long run, this not only improves performance, but also reduces turnover and absenteeism,” she said.
She also encouraged employees to speak up about their mental health challenges, urging them to seek help early to avoid further complications.
Dr. Oyekan, an academic, trade unionist, and public analyst, contributed to the discussion by examining how government policies or the lack thereof, contribute to mental health challenges faced by workers.
He criticized the government’s failure to scrutinize companies on issues such as casualization and unfavorable working conditions.
“Many employers take advantage of weak regulations, subjecting workers to conditions that are detrimental to their mental health. The government must take responsibility by ensuring that labour laws are enforced to protect workers,” Dr. Oyekan stated.
He also emphasized the need for citizens to hold political leaders accountable by probing the manifestos of candidates, particularly those that neglect the mental health of workers.
“If a political party’s manifesto doesn’t address mental health in the workplace, it’s a red flag. Workers deserve to know where leaders stand on this critical issue.”
The symposium, which attracted a large number of attendees, including mental health advocates, professionals, and members of the public, concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders, employers, employees, government, and civil society to work together to create healthier, more supportive workplaces for all.
This event marked another significant step in the ongoing efforts of the Easygold Initiative to raise awareness about mental health and create meaningful change within the society.
