Kenya’s workforce, potentially 3.7 million, suffers from mental illness, causing significant economic losses. Annually, up to 0.6% of the GDP is lost due to mental health issues, primarily due to workplace absenteeism.
The Ministry of Health urges employers to prioritize mental health.
But mental breakdown can no longer be swept under the rug because it is costing organisations millions of shillings in lost productivity and hospital bills.
Experts are now pushing for companies to set aside wellness budgets amid a rising increase in mental health conditions among employees.
Hard economic times, long working hours, high targets and family woes have pushed many Kenyan employees to a mental breakdown.
“This important in order to prevent the occurrence or worsening of mental health issues, and provide care and support for those who require treatment,” Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa said at the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH) yesterday.
This way, she said the organisations cannot only improve employee well-being but also enhance productivity and contribute to socioeconomic development.
She said the economic cost of mental health conditions is substantial due to lost productivity, while healthcare expenditure is relatively low.
Health CS Barasa noted harmful work conditions can lead to serious mental health issues return on investment over time. While meaningful work can offer numerous benefits, Dr Barasa noted that harmful work conditions can lead to serious mental health issues.
“A significant portion of a person’s life is spent in the workplace, and this environment can have a profound impact on their mental well-being,” said the CS, calling on stakeholders to prioritise strengthening of interventions required to boost the mental wellbeing of people.
According to the World Health Organization, over half of the global population is employed, and a considerable number of these individuals are battling mental health disorders.
The Taskforce on mental health 2020 in Kenya underscored the critical role of workplace factors in contributing to mental health challenges among the Kenyan population.
Some of the key actions she suggested should be taken include counties deliberately investing in mental health clinics and addiction clinics in all Level 4 hospitals.
“All employers are required to implement National Guidelines on Mental Wellness, school health programmes to include mental wellness and addiction prevention,” she said.
This highlights the urgent need for workplaces to prioritize mental health and create supportive environments for their employees. Mental health problems extend far beyond individual suffering, impacting families, communities, and the broader society. Depression and anxiety alone account for a staggering 12 billion lost working days annually.
