Mental health in the workplace vital

Mental health in the workplace is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017, which falls on October 10th every year.

Dr Ludwig Nanawar from the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital said the take home message from this year’s theme is; a mentally healthy workforce aids quality productivity and output in an organisation.

During a person’s adult life, a large proportion of their time is spent at work.

Experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining the overall wellbeing.

Employers and managers who put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health and support employees who have mental disorders see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work.

“Despite the importance of having a mentally fit, competent and healthy workforce, many organisations in PNG operate without a sound mental health policy,” said Dr Nanawar.

He further stated that the public sector in particular has a lot to do in drawing up and incorporating mental health policies in their operations.

Dr Nanawar added providing healthy workplace environment and regular mental health screening are essential mental health components and with mental health services accessible nationwide, mental health should not be an issue.

Author: 
Carolyn Ure