Why Nigeria Must Adopt National Mental Health Reforms in the Workplace
Dr. Kelechi Ndubueze , a workplace psychology expert, during this interview with MOHAMMED SHOSANYA He shares his insights on incorporating psychology into organizations and emphasizes why Nigeria needs to actively promote mental health initiatives in the workplace. Excerpts:
Based on your background, how might an understanding of industrial and organizational psychology enhance our comprehension of mental health challenges within demanding fields such as healthcare, law enforcement, and education in Nigeria?
When applying psychological concepts to the professional environment, industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology equips us with necessary methods for evaluating job requirements, company atmosphere, managerial approaches, worker aid programs, and more—all factors linked to stress and mental well-being. Within demanding fields like healthcare, policing, and teaching, this discipline aids in pinpointing hazards related to burnout, emotional drain, and motivational issues via scientifically grounded evaluations. Additionally, it assists in crafting tailored solutions such as stress reduction workshops, employee help initiatives, and guidelines promoting a healthy equilibrium between personal life and career responsibilities, ensuring these measures align with cultural norms and specific industry needs.
What affordable measures can businesses adopt to integrate mental health into their workplace policies?
Raising awareness via mental health education and training for both leadership and employees can serve as a foundation for businesses. Implementing adaptable work schedules, offering designated mental health days, and setting up peer support networks are cost-effective strategies with significant impact. Companies should integrate mental health assessments into regular performance evaluations and guarantee that complaint processes consider emotional well-being. Additionally, enlisting human resources professionals skilled in fundamental psychological first aid proves to be a budget-friendly and efficient approach.
What strategies should organizations adopt to tackle job-induced stress when taking into account wider social factors such as financial instability and inadequate facilities?
Organizations should acknowledge that work-related stress does not occur independently of broader social issues. Encouraging autonomy and collaborative decision-making fosters a feeling of empowerment and toughness among staff members. Establishing robust internal frameworks such as open lines of communication, accountable management, and supportive resources acts as a shield against outside pressures. Additionally, businesses might collaborate with non-profits or regional healthcare providers to supply subsidized mental health counseling or well-being programs, thereby alleviating employee burdens without significant cost implications.
Share with us effective tactics for minimizing stigma and enhancing employee well-being within work environments in Nigeria.
Tackling the problem of stigma begins by making discussions about mental health commonplace. Companies ought to set a precedent, which involves executives openly discussing their own experiences with mental health, thereby motivating staff members to do the same. Educating employees about mental health through training sessions, incorporating non-discriminatory measures into human resources guidelines, and promoting well-being programs such as Mental Health Days contribute to building an accepting environment. Additionally, implementing confidential survey mechanisms allows workers to express worries freely without fearing criticism or stigmatization.
What impact do remote and hybrid work arrangements have on employees' mental well-being and efficiency, and what strategies can be implemented to reduce adverse outcomes?
It should be highlighted that although remote and hybrid work setups enhance flexibility, they can also bring about issues like social isolation, unclear distinctions between personal and professional life, and digital exhaustion—particularly evident during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Poorly handled expectations could adversely affect mental well-being.
Measures to alleviate these impacts encompass setting distinct work hour limits, encouraging online social engagement, requiring periodic screen pauses, and guaranteeing fair resource distribution. Additionally, routine virtual meetings centered around health rather than productivity may assist in narrowing this divide.
How might mental health programs connect with employees who work beyond conventional business settings?
To cater to individuals like informal sector workers, artisans, gig workers, and those not within conventional frameworks, mental health programs should adopt a community-centric approach. Engaging with entities such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood groups, trade unions, and customary authorities could provide initial platforms for raising awareness and implementing interventions. Additionally, leveraging mHealth technologies—such as SMS counseling services, WhatsApp hotlines, or radio broadcasts—can help surmount systemic obstacles while aligning with local contexts.
How can policymakers and professional organizations contribute to advancing nationwide workplace mental health initiatives? Policymakers ought to focus on incorporating mental health provisions within occupational health and safety regulations, offering tax incentives for implementing supportive mental health practices, and requiring Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for medium-sized to large enterprises.
In the meantime, organizations like psychological and management groups ought to encourage uniform standards, provide certification programs, and push for employers to be held responsible. Collaborations between public and private sectors are essential for financing and expanding viable mental health initiatives.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
