GOOD FOR OUR PEOPLE – GOOD FOROUR BUSINESS

Over the last year, I have had an overwhelming response to my work with individuals and businesses in mental health. You may know that one of my niche offerings is mental health coaching and counselling in the workplace – a subject that I am extremely passionate about. I have also done webinars on this subject with great response.

Mental health is important both for business and employees and in previous articles I discussed the sobering and frightening statistics – behind each number is a living human being. I have had the privilege to work with a number of individuals recently, and it has been an extremely humbling experience. Just to perhaps reinforce a few numbers in South Africa alone: one in four people suffer or have suffered from depression, most suicides stem from depression and for each person who dies from suicide, ten people have attempted it. Research has shown that 80% of people will come to work despite experiencing depression, 75% refuse to get treatment, and 75% don’t disclose because there is no support or guidance.

Fourth Bottom Line

Against that backdrop, did you know that the fourth bottom line in the context of mental health and business, refers to the growing recognition that investing in employee mental well-being, significantly impacts the bottom line? This impact sits alongside traditional financial, social and environmental considerations.

Businesses typically focus on their profits, yet the cost of mental health severely impacts on their financial performance. The impact of mental health costs South African business around R2 billion per annum in lost productivity. And according to the World Health Organization (WHO) more estimates suggest that depression and anxiety disorders alone cost the global economy around R1 trillion each year in lost productivity. In addition, prioritising employee mental health leads to a more engaged, productive and satisfied workforce, ultimately boosting the company’s overall performance.

Further to anxiety and depression, which are the leading causes of mental health concerns, there are a number of other conditions that are important to be aware of. In a recent discussion with a manager on this topic, she raised the importance of male mental health for focus and attention, as well as female menopause.

Numerous Benefits

Focusing on employee mental health brings numerous benefits to businesses. It leads to increased productivity as employees feel more engaged and motivated in their work. Reduced absenteeism is another key advantage, as a healthier workforce takes fewer sick days. Additionally, businesses can experience lower healthcare costs by preventing stress-related illnesses and mental health issues. Improved employee retention is also a major benefit, as a supportive work environment encourages staff to stay longer, reducing turnover and recruitment expenses. Lastly, prioritising mental well-being enhances an organisation’s reputation, making it more attractive to top talent and fostering a positive workplace culture.

For the above to take effect, companies need their managers to be on board and key player in this process. Many of the solutions to drive company success is that of the destigmatisation of mental health and the training of managers in the workplace. Whilst many managers have this responsibility, they are sorely lacking in skills and capacity.

Management Training For Managers

To help with addressing this problem in a small way, I am very excited to be offering management training for managers to manage the mental health challenge in the workplace. A decision to offer this training was reached after engaging with a number of business colleagues who stressed a strong need for this training, which will cover solutions for both them and their employees.

Training managers in mental health awareness and support is essential for several reasons. Early identification of issues is enabled, allowing timely interventions that can prevent challenges from escalating. By fostering a supportive environment, managers encourage open conversations and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, making employees feel more comfortable seeking help. This action, in turn, enhances employee engagement, as supported employees are more committed to their work, leading to higher productivity and lower turnover rates. Additionally, when managers understand the impact of burnout and stress, they are more likely to advocate for policies that promote a healthy work-life balance, benefiting both individuals and the organisation. Lastly, mental health training improves team dynamics by strengthening cohesion and trust, which enhances collaboration and overall performance.

The above short summary regarding mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated, and therefore the need to train managers cannot even be debated. As the global landscape continues to evolve, prioritising mental health is not just a moral obligation but also a business imperative, given its impact on the bottom line.

My first training programme for managers is scheduled for 30 April 2025. This is a one-day programme, at a cost of R2500. It will be held at the Absa corporate office in Umhlanga. Interested individuals are invited to reply early to avoid disappointment, given the heightened interest in the session .

Jacquie Bhana, High Performance Coach, Mentor and Counsellor

To book or to contact Jacquie for more information: C: +27 (0)83 386 8343 E: Jacquie.bhana@mbhana.co.za W: www.jacquiebhana.co.za

Jacquie Bhana, High Performance Coach, Mentor and Counsellor