FOR landing her dream job, Julie Adeogun’s joy knew no bounds. That
was five years ago when the 47-year-old woman was hired as compliance
manager in one of the leading stock brokering firms in the heart of
Lagos. Like many new employees, she was always excited and eager to get
to work. As operational soul of the business, the mother of three was
responsible for ensuring all processes and trading activities are in
compliance of statutory regulations, initiating corrective actions for
resolving problematic issues and setting employees’ standards of
conduct.
Although Adeogun was merely expected to provide supervisory functions
over 29 co-workers, this sometimes became a difficult task. Trouble
began when official exigencies propelled her into directly handling
customers’ complaints regarding shares verification and communicating
with them during and after trading. With this, she was perpetually on
work phone calls, even after office hours. Initially, it was tough but
she was confident to pull it through, trusting in her strong work ethic.
However, reality soon dawned on her, forcing her enthusiasm to
evaporate like a puff of smoke.
This took a debilitating toll on her, her family and work. “Without
knowing it, I was ignoring my needs, family, friends and anything that
used to be a source of joy to me. Virtually everyone rebelled against
me, thinking I was no longer a person they could lean on. I became so
emotionally unwell that I had to quit the job,” she said.
Adeogun is not alone. According to Medbury Medical Services, a
medical solutions facility that provides workplace wellness and health
solutions to various companies in the country, many people battle with
emotional well-being in the workplace, which negatively affects their
productivity and ultimately the company’s bottom line. To raise
awareness about the importance and benefits of employee wellness and
engagement and how the two affect business fortunes, Medbury Medical
Services, in conjunction with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against
AIDS (NiBUCAA), organised a roundtable last week for top business
executives and human resources (HR) managers on how employees’
well-being enhances productivity. The roundtable, which held at the
Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, deliberated on the theme
“Prioritising HIV and mental health in the workplace.”
Dr. Musa Shaibu, Medical Director, Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation Medical Services, said discussing HIV and mental health in
the workplace is good because it helps to deepen awareness about the two
illnesses that are like conjoined twins in the workplace. Shaibu, who
is also the Executive Committee Chairman, NiBUCAA, enthused that every
human being in a state of well-being is capable of coping with normal
stresses of life and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
Quoting Dr. Ibrahim Wakawa, Chief Medical Director, Federal
Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Borno State, he said about 50 million
Nigerians suffer mental health disorders out of which about 1.1 per cent
are said to be HIV positive.
Shaibu advised that HIV/AIDS should not be seen as a death sentence,
with its prevalence having dropped to 1.9 per cent, making Nigeria
number four on the global HIV prevalence rankings. He promised that
NiBUCAA is always willing to partner and complement government’s efforts
to rid the country of any disease that poses a threat to national
workforce. While explaining the essence of the round table, the NiBUCAA
boss said the annual meeting offers a platform for stakeholders and
health experts to come together to discuss actionable steps towards
achieving good health and well-being in the workplace.
Shaibu stressed that this year’s theme is geared towards assisting
Nigerian workers with psycho-social support by preaching the gospel of
the importance of employees’ assistance programme (EAP) as regards
health issues such as mental health and HIV, adding that employees need
to know what is available for them in the workplace in terms of clinical
support.
“As the voice of the private sector response to HIV/AIDS pandemic and
other associated diseases since 2003, we have passionately facilitated
and executed HIV/AIDS programmes in workplaces and communities from
which services are made available to citizens. We have worked on this
path with consistency as well as complementing government’s efforts
through mobilising the private sector core competences and resources via
a coordinated platform to achieve national HIV and AIDS-related goals
and objectives under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We must work collectively and aggressively for the overall
well-being of the country towards the actualisation of good health and
well-being of the populace, which will, in turn, drive a decent work and
economic growth and sustainable communities as contained in the United
Nations SDGs. Through purposeful leaderships, we can check threats to
productivity,” he said.
Nexus between employee wellness and profitability
On common mental health issues in the place of work, Dr. Peter
Ogunnubi, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Psychologist, described
HIV infection and psychiatric illnesses in the workplace as two-edged
sword threatening organisational output. Ogunnubi, who is also the team
leader, Employee Assistance Programme, Medbury Medical Services, said
there is no health without mental health. He lamented that the stigma
still being associated with both mental health and HIV infection in the
country hinders avenues for assistance, which invariably reduces
productivity of employees.
While admitting that the country has done fairly well in bringing HIV
matters to the fore, the psychiatrist, who stressed that too much
stress often leads to distress, added that issues of mental health in
workplace have not enjoyed requisite attention, as there is little
advocacy or awareness about emotional health in the workplace.
“Emotional issues have gone beyond wearing tattered clothes, roaming the
streets. Emotional issues such as depression, addiction, poor
concentration and memory, anxiety and phobia are things employees go
through. There is need for employers to ensure they don’t drive their
employees to that level where they will be over-stressed and burnout.
Once burnout occurs, every other mental illness follows,” he said.
He cautioned organisational leaders that hostile environment can
trigger mental health problems among workers, stressing that it is the
duty of employers to protect, not only the physical health of employees,
but also their mental well-being. A work environment that is hostile
and stressful negatively impacts on the mental health of its employees,
while improved productivity is the reward in a work environment that
protects and promotes emotional well-being of workers. Both the
employers and employees have a role to play in fostering a friendly
conducive workplace, he said.
As businesses strive to achieve 100 per cent efficiency, Ogunnubi
said it sometimes creates an amount of stress or pressure that pushes
the employees to lose sight of their mental health. He also blamed the
unstable socio-economic climate in the country, which makes
organisations and employees to stretch themselves beyond their elastic
limits. This, he stated, forces employees to either prepare to swim or
get drowned, which can lead to unmanageable stress, a precursor to
mental illness. “Through employee assistance programme, it will make
employees be more engaged and productive,” he said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 264
million people globally suffer from depression, one of the leading
causes of disability, with many of them also suffering from symptoms of
anxiety. A recent WHO-led study estimated that “depression and anxiety
disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year. A negative
work environment may lead to physical and mental health problems,
harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity;
while workplaces that promote mental health and support people with
mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase
productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.”
Psychiatric doctors identified other risks to mental health in the
workplace that business executives should never ignore: inadequate
health and safety policies; poor communication and management practices;
limited participation in decision-making or low control over one’s area
of work; low levels of support for employees; inflexible working hours;
and unclear tasks or organisational objectives. The WHO report further
explained that risks may also be related to job content, such as
unsuitable tasks for the person’s competencies or a high and unrelenting
workload. “Bullying and psychological harassment or ‘mobbing’ are
commonly reported causes of work-related stress by workers and present
risks to the health of workers. They are associated with both
psychological and physical problems. These health consequences can have
costs for employers in terms of reduced productivity and increased
members of staff turnover; just as they can also have a negative impact
on family and social interactions.”
While describing a healthy workplace as one where workers and
managers actively contribute to the work environment by promoting and
protecting the health, safety and well-being of all employees, WHO
recommends that mental health interventions should be delivered as part
of an integrated health and well-being strategy that covers prevention,
early identification, support and rehabilitation. Occupational health
services or professionals may support organisations in implementing
these interventions.
Business executives at the roundtable, however, acknowledged that
employee engagement and wellness are finally taking centre stage in the
business world, adding that it is no longer regarded as the sole
responsibility of the human resources department, but an integral part
of business strategy. This, according to them, is because it is
increasingly clear that unhealthy employees are a big drag on
productivity, innovation and the bottom line. This was also the line of
reasoning canvassed at the panel discussion session featuring Dr.
Gbonjubola Abiri, consultant psychiatrist and psychologist at Medbury
Medical Services; Funke Jaiyesinmi, product manager, Neuroscience
Janseen; Dr. John Umogbai, clinical lead, Olive Prime; and Dr. Ogunjobi
Olayiwola, medical advisor, APM Terminal.
Because the principle that engagement and wellness are inseparable is
increasingly being embraced in modern business world, Dr. Abiri and
other EAP professionals said they align with studies that have shown
that healthy employees tend to be happier besides showing higher rates
of job satisfaction and productivity. Such employees are also said to be
less vulnerable to stress, a significant driver of poor health. Healthy
and engaged employees, in concert with a strong workplace culture, are
the secret sauce for business success or greater profitability, experts
said.
He also cited findings of studies conducted in various parts world
showing that the most successful organizations are the ones that have
made employee engagement central to their business strategy by giving
employees clear expectations and provide them with the tools and support
to do their best work. Empathy is an essential part of emotional
intelligence, the ability to identify and manage one’s own
emotions and be mindful of the emotions of others. Engagement and
empathy are inextricably linked, as employees are unlikely to feel truly
respected and empowered in an organisation that does not show empathy.
Studies have also shown that health and wellness initiatives in the
workplace are a boost to overall engagement and productivity. For
example, in Canada, stress-related absences cost employers about $3.5
billion each year, with six in ten Canadian workers believing that their
employers have some responsibility in ensuring their good health. Some
studies reported that organizations with highly effective health and
productivity programmes record about 11 per cent higher revenue per
employee, 1.8 fewer days absent per employee per year, and 28 per cent
greater shareholder returns. Of employers offering wellness programmes,
67 per cent reported increased employee satisfaction, 66 per cent
reported increased productivity, 63 per cent reported increased
financial sustainability and growth, and 50 per cent reported decreased
absenteeism.
While giving the vote of thanks, Dr. Ademolu Owoyele, general
manager, Medbury Medical Services, echoed the views other EAP experts,
saying stress is associated with negative health effects such as
headaches and feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed – and decreased
productivity. All of these can impact companies’ bottom lines. He
therefore enjoined business owners and employees to prioritise emotional
wellness by inculcating mental health and HIV issues in the business.
As far as he is concerned, employee engagement and wellness are about
protecting the human capital, a company’s most valuable asset, saying
organizations that ensure their employees flourish and thrive will
always be ahead of the curve.
Why companies do pre-employment medical test
Two thorny issues that seemed to divide the camps of business leaders
and occupational health experts are whether or not pre-employment
medical tests should be mandatory and, if yes, who should be in charge
of the test – HR managers or occupation health doctors. After a lecture
and demonstration by Dr. Emmanuel Godwin on the future of HIV
self-testing, participants agreed that having prospective employees to
submit themselves for pre-employment tests can be tricky.
While some HR managers insist that it is within their office to
oversee the tests, Dr. Abiri cleared the air, saying it is absolutely
wrong for any non-medical personnel to be involved in pre-employment
tests. His reason: it can lead to litigations if non-medical
professional is established to have seen the test result, which may be
especially worse if consent is not sought before carrying out the test.
Only professionals who have taken the Hippocratic oath can handle
people’s medical records in a way that will not lead the organization
into stormy waters, he advised. While enlightening HR executives about
the essence of pre-employment test, Dr. Shaibu said it is no big deal as
it is being portrayed, stressing that the simple reason behind is to
have the baseline medical data of all workers as at the time they are
being recruited. Such records usually come in handy in future, he said.
Popular News
-
A US mayor of a small town in Illinois who sent Police officers on Sunday to break up parties amid coronavirus lockdown was left shocked ...
-
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious o...
-
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
-
For the quarter, added 537,000 residential and small enterprise business internet customers versus 380,000 within the prior year quarter....
-
In the dynamic and fiercely competitive business landscape of today, one thing remains constant: the power of advertising. With the right ...
-
If issues are treated with the sense of urgency and importance they get in the court of public opinion compared to the conventional court...
-
The United Kingdom (UK) has announced new travel requirements. This is as it said Visa is not enough for people wishing to enter the c...
-
The Osun State Governor, Chief Ademola Adeleke, has escaped a horrific fate, according to a report by Leadership. By a stroke of luck, wh...
-
The military has assured Nigerians that it will work in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that the 2023 general electi...
-
In today's fast-paced world, managing personal finances is more crucial than ever. Whether you're aiming to build wealth, save for...
-
Italy have been crowned champions of the 2020 European Championship after defeating England 3-2 in penalties on Sunday night, July 11. ...
-
“Every improvement contributing to your outstanding experience is our daily motivation.” - Remitano Every product and feature on the Rem...
-
For the quarter, added 537,000 residential and small enterprise business internet customers versus 380,000 within the prior year quarter....
-
SMS marketing is a marketing channel which allows businesses to message customers with marketing messages through SMS, or more commonly kn...
-
Breaking news about iceland country incredible but true if you are interested read the full story iceland team was able to achieve an ...
-
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
-
An Israeli professor has claimed that coronavirus will disappear after 70 days with or without intervention. The unproven claims were ma...
-
The Remitano founding team has always maintained the belief and vision that blockchain and cryptocurrencies are a big step forward for s...
-
Would you believe it if someone tells you that cayenne pepper has the power to stop a heart attack within a minute? Believe it or not, thi...
-
Apparently, ginger, a well-known spice we frequently add to different dishes to enhance the flavor, has the power to prevent cancer. But, i...
- bitcoin
- bitcoin mining
- Coronavirus
- dr anu nigeria
- coronavirus china
- Benefit Of Ginger Water
- Bobrisky
- Buhari
- coronavirus cure
- benefits of drinking milk
- Biafran War
- coronavirus death rate
- coronavirus outbreak
- dede one day mansion
- coronavirus update
- History of Biafra
- How To Make Ginger Water
- eri
- How to save your phone battery
- is 5g dangerous
- Kobe Bryant
- Jennifer Aniston
- kobe bryant family
- latest nigeria news paper
- kobe bryant wife
- latest on nigeria news
- naija news
- Malignant mesothelioma
- nigeria news
- Mesothelioma survival rates
- newspaper online in nigeria
- nigeria news breaking
- nigeria news headline today
- nigeria news of the day
- nigeria news paper online
- nigeria newspaper
- nigeria news paper today
- nigeria news today & breaking
- nigeria newspaper online
- nigerianewspaper
- nigeria newspapers
- Regina Daniels
- online dating scams
- Side Effects Of Eating Corn
- t mobile data usage
- online nigeria news
- what is tiger nut
- tiger nuts
- Tyson Fury
0 comments:
Post a Comment