Part 2: Why UN staff mental health and well-being matters for delivering on mandates
In this discussion, the ECA Communication Team discusses with the UN Health Clinic on mental health and well-being responsibility and why a healthy working environment matters.
Q. But whose responsibility is it to maintain a healthy working environment?
While we recognize the vital role the leadership plays in promoting a conducive working environment, which is a psychologically safe space for its staff to work, we do recognize the fact that taking care of one’s mental health is an individual responsibility as well. Individuals coming in a team to work together, too, have their own responsibility to ensure their team members’ mental health and well-being. In short, it is a shared responsibility.
As the saying goes, ‘there is no health without mental health’. Wisdom has it that ‘there is nothing like body and mind; don’t even put a hyphen between the two words, it is ‘bodymind’: any emotional or thought process disturbance in the mind can have its physical manifestations and vice versa: any challenging physical health condition can have an impact on the way we feel and the way we perceive ourselves, people around us’.
With this background, over the entire month of October, we were honored to engage ourselves in different activities related to creating awareness among staff on the importance of taking care of one’s mental health and wellbeing, such as visibility announcements, banners across the UN system in Ethiopia and in strategic places in the ECA Compound, including Totem displays on the theme and a call for Mental Health Check-In. We also disseminated Mental Health Checks-Ins to all staff in the ECA Compound as well as some other Agencies situated outside of the Compound, such as WFP and UNHCR. Our colleagues at the UNHCR organized a parenting session and a stress management session was held in collaboration with Human Resources Section on the theme of the year.
Q. Let’s look at the workplace, why is mental health important?
There is extensive research, evidence and practice demonstrating why mental health is crucial in the workplace. The following reasons stand out:
- First, it’s about employee well-being: A healthy workforce is not only happier, but also more engaged, contributing positively to workplace dynamics. Employees who feel mentally well are more resilient, perform better, and are less likely to experience burnout. The recent ORMS training carried out in the ECA leveraged these findings, emphasizing the integration of soft skills and psychological first aid into training sessions to enhance employee welfare.
- Second, it’s about productivity and performance: Good mental health directly correlates with increased productivity, creativity, and innovation. Mental health issues can lead to absenteeism (missing work) and presenteeism (performing poorly while at work), diminished concentration, and difficulty making decisions. These factors negatively impact overall organizational performance, reducing the organization's capacity to meet key performance indicators. As such, a positive correlation between mental well-being and productivity demonstrates the essential need for mental health initiatives (Lerner & Henke, 2008).
- Third, it impacts the workplace environment: A focus on mental health helps foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, enhancing team dynamics and collaboration. The Psychological Needs Assessment performed in 2022 in Ethiopia highlighted that a toxic organizational culture, among others, was a significant source of stress for UN personnel. Raising awareness about mental health emerged as a crucial recommendation, illustrating the importance of an emotionally supportive workplace.
- Fourth it impacts retention and recruitment: Organizations that prioritize mental health often become more attractive to potential employees and experience lower turnover rates. By showcasing a commitment to employee wellness, organizations can not only retain existing talent but can also enhance their reputation in the labor market, making them more appealing to prospective employees (Kivimäki et al., 2002). This investment in mental health translates to a stronger and more committed workforce.
Q. What difference does bringing people together around mental health make?
- It creates a supportive community: Open discussions about mental health foster a supportive community where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek help. Such environments lead to improved emotional health among employees, promoting collaboration and camaraderie (Bridges et al., 2010).
- It normalizes conversations: Group dialogues about mental health can break down barriers and reduce feelings of isolation for those dealing with mental health issues, facilitating acceptance and understanding among colleagues. Normalizing conversations creates an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness (Corrigan, 2004).
- It encourages engagement: Community discussions empower employees to participate actively in their emotional and psychological well-being journey. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to mental health, both individually and collectively, delineating a shared responsibility in the workplace (Folkman, 1997).
- It fosters learning: Group discussions provide valuable opportunities for peer support, resource sharing, and learning from the experiences of others. Such interactions can enhance emotional intelligence within teams, equipping members with the skills needed to support one another effectively