MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK

Mental Health at Work: A Priority for Employers and Employees A mentally healthy workplace enables employees to perform effectively, manage stress, maintain positive relationships and seek support without fear of stigma or discrimination. Mental health directly affects productivity, attendance, teamwork and employee retention.

The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety lead to the loss of 12 billion working days annually worldwide. In Kenya, the case of AWW (Suing as Next Friend and Mother of GWW) v Central Bank of Kenya affirmed that mental illness can constitute a disability requiring workplace protection and reasonable accommodation. The Court awarded over KSh 5 million, including KSh 4 million for discrimination, underscoring employers' legal responsibility to support employees with mental health conditions. These important issues will form part of discussions during AEA's Open-House Training on Employee Wellness and Mental Health.

The training will help participants identify burnout and depression, build resilient teams, promote supportive leadership and healthy workplace relationships, and assess whether their organisations are doing enough to promote employee wellness and mental health. AEA encourages a workplace culture where mental well-being is valued as an essential part of occupational health and safety.

AEA encourages a workplace culture where mental well-being is valued as an essential part of occupational health and safety.

FROM:THE HR DESK-AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION