First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has stressed the importance of working together as a team to strengthen mental well-being in the workplace.
She made the remarks while officiating the opening ceremony of the first seminar held in the Maldives on strengthening mental well-being in the workplace.
The First Lady said discrimination, discomfort and a lack of safety in the workplace are among the factors linked to employees’ mental well-being. She also highlighted the importance of involving managers at different levels in discussions and decision-making when employees work as a team, and said every individual’s mental state requires attention.
“Discrimination, discomfort and a lack of safety in the workplace are matters linked to employees’ mental well-being. In addition, this is an area in which a great deal of research is being conducted in the field of social sciences,” the First Lady said.
She also highlighted statistics related to mental health, noting that a 2020/2021 survey showed that one in every five people in the Maldives had experienced symptoms of depression. She said the findings require serious attention and stressed the need to work together for the well-being of everyone.
The First Lady said studies show that institutions with mentally healthy employees record fewer cases of absenteeism and tardiness, while also seeing stronger work morale and greater satisfaction among those seeking services from the institution’s employees.
“Studies show that institutions with mentally healthy employees have fewer cases of absenteeism and tardiness, as well as fewer instances of violations of administrative procedures. They also show stronger work morale, while those who seek services have greater satisfaction with the institution’s employees,” First Lady Sajidha said.
The seminar on strengthening mental well-being in the workplace is jointly organised by the National Mental Health Department and the Civil Service Commission, focusing on employees’ mental well-being in the workplace.
A total of 60 participants are taking part in the seminar, including officials primarily involved in human resources across Civil Service institutions, senior officials from cities and senior officials from regional hospitals.
This is the first time a seminar of this nature has been held in the Maldives.