UN Launches Workplace Mental Health Strategy

The UN has recently launched workplace mental health strategy to deal with workplace mental health issues and ways to maintain the well-being of its staff by dealing with the stigma attached to it. The launch of a strategy by the United Nations to deal with mental health issues among its staff and the associated stigma could not have come at a more appropriate time. Mental health problems at the workplace are becoming a serious concern in India and around the world. According to an ASSOCHAM study, about 42.5 percent of employees in the private sector suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder. Considering that Indian millennials spend an average of 52 hours a week at the workplace, it is time that India Inc. follows suit, feels Sanjay Lakhotia, Co-Founder, Noble House Consulting Pte.

He says that organizations must actively begin to invest in ensuring the mental well-being of their employees. This will have a direct positive bearing on productivity – not to mention their health and personal lives as well. Encouraging an atmosphere where staff can come out and speak about what is ailing them without fearing the stigma of any kind is the need of the hour. Sensitization programmes done right at the outset can help deal with this. Given the heavy contributions of the private sector to the economy, employee wellness is a strategic priority for the country and an economic imperative for organizations.

It is pertinent to mention here that Noble House is an HR talent marketplace that helps independent consultants find short- and long-term assignments as per their skill set. It has recently raised SGD 1 million in angel funding from HR and business leaders based in Singapore and India which will be used for a Pan-India and Asia expansion.