WHO, ILO Call For Action To Address Mental Health Issues In Workplaces

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have called for actions to tackle mental health issues in workplaces

According to WHO guidelines released on Tuesday, an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety costing the global economy nearly 1 trillion dollars.

“Two new publications which aim to address this issue were published on September 27 on WHO Guidelines on mental health at work and a derivative WHO/ILO policy brief.

"The WHO global guidelines on mental health at work recommend actions to tackle risks to mental health such as heavy workloads, negative behaviours and other factors that create distress at work.

“Work amplifies wider societal issues that negatively affect mental health, including discrimination and inequality.

“Bullying and psychological violence (also known as “mobbing”) is a key complaint of workplace harassment that has a negative impact on mental health.

“Yet discussing or disclosing mental health remains a taboo in work settings globally,” it said.

It added that the guidelines also recommend better ways to accommodate the needs of workers with mental health conditions.

The guidelines call for interventions aimed at the protection of health, humanitarian, and emergency workers.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said it is important to focus on the detrimental effect work can have on our mental health.

“The well-being of the individual is reason enough to act, but poor mental health can also have a debilitating impact on a person’s performance and productivity.

“These new guidelines can help prevent negative work situations and cultures and offer much-needed mental health protection and support for working people,” Ghebreyesus said.

He stated that a separate WHO and ILO policy brief explained the guidelines in terms of practical strategies for governments, employers and workers, and their organizations, in the public and private sectors.

Ghebreyesus said that the aim was to support the prevention of mental health risks, protect and promote mental health at work, and support those with mental health conditions, so they can participate and thrive in the world of work.

“Investment and leadership will be critical to the implementation of the strategies. he said.

Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General said as people spend a large proportion of their lives in work, a safe and healthy working environment is important

“We need to invest to build a culture of prevention around mental health at work, reshape the work environment to stop stigma and social exclusion, and ensure employees with mental health conditions feel protected and supported,” Ryder said.