Islamabad: On World Mental Health Day, the focus has shifted towards enhancing mental health awareness and support within the workplace, recognizing that safe and stable work environments contribute significantly to overall well-being. This initiative is crucial as a large portion of the global workforce spends most of their daily lives at work, where the quality of the work environment can greatly affect their mental health.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the message for this year’s observance stresses the importance of mental health in the workplace, highlighting the stark reality that around one in every eight people globally suffers from a mental disorder. This includes a significant portion of the working population. The campaign acknowledges the profound impact that work environments can have on an individual’s mental state, from providing a sense of purpose and stability to contributing to stress and mental illness.

The emphasis is also on the shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which blurred the lines between home and work, introducing new challenges in maintaining mental health at work. The United Nations message underscores the importance of employers addressing these challenges to improve workplace morale, reduce absenteeism, and enhance productivity, ultimately benefiting both businesses and economies.

The call to action is clear: to ensure that everyone, both within and outside of workplace settings, has access to necessary mental health knowledge, resources, and quality care services without facing stigma or barriers, fostering environments where individuals can thrive.