The first National Mental Health at Work conference has opened in Port-Gentil, Gabon, bringing together experts, employers, workers, and professionals to address the issue of mental health in the workplace. The conference, which runs for three days, is organized by the Gabonese Network of Work Psychologists and several specialized firms. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being of workers.
The conference is themed "From Prevention to Support: Mental Health at Work, a Strategic Issue for Safety, Human Capital Performance, and Sustainable Development of Organizations." Professor Tessa Moundjiegout, a lecturer at the University of Omar Bongo, emphasized the need to distinguish between mental health and mental illness. He noted that mental health encompasses both well-being and psychological suffering, and that it is essential to address the factors that can undermine workers' psychological and physical balance.
According to Professor Moundjiegout, stress, harassment, addiction, and boredom at work are some of the factors that can gradually fragilize workers' psychological and physical balance, with repercussions on their family life and productivity. He called on companies to prioritize preventive measures rather than waiting for chronic disorders to appear, which can lead to decreased productivity and additional costs for organizations.
The conference features several workshops attended by representatives from trade unions, the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), and specialized firms. Through these exchanges, participants aim to assess the state of mental health in the workplace, identify shortcomings, and formulate recommendations for better consideration of this issue in human capital management policies.
The conference brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including experts in psychology, employers, workers, and professionals from various fields. The organizers and participants seek to raise awareness about the importance of mental health at work and to promote a culture of prevention and support.
The event is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the issue of mental health in the workplace in Gabon. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the conference aims to promote a better understanding of the issue and to develop effective strategies for prevention and support.
The conference will conclude with recommendations and proposals for improving mental health at work in Gabon. The outcome of the event is expected to contribute to the development of policies and practices that prioritize the well-being and mental health of workers.
Key points
- The conference aims to promote a culture of prevention and support for mental health at work in Gabon.
- The event brings together experts, employers, workers, and professionals to address the issue of mental health in the workplace.
- The conference seeks to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being of workers.
