In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health of Jamaica, in collaboration with PAHO/WHO, held a one day Conference on October 13, under the theme "Mental Health in the Workplace."
The objectives of the workshop were to raise the awareness of mental health issues in the workplace; to promote mental health and wellness; to encourage employers to facilitate the promotion and protection of mental health in the workplace and to advocate for the rights of persons with mental illness to participate in work. There were over 300 participants at the conference from across the island; they were representatives of government ministries, civil society, non-governmental organizations, private sector and academia.
The keynote speaker at the opening of the workshop was Dr. Noreen Jack, PAHO/WHO Representative in Jamaica. The subject of her presentation was the 'Respectful workplace.' Dr. Jack pointed out that workplaces that promote mental health and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and benefit from associated economic gains.She also noted that as working adults spend a significant amount of the day at their workplace, it is important that they are treated respectfully. She added that the respectful workplace is a place where there is effective communication, where positivity and kindness are encouraged, where there is appreciation for diversity and inclusion and where others are acknowledged for their contributions.
Dr. Jack then introduced PAHO/WHO "Respectful Workplace" initiative, gave examples and shared pictures of how this is being implemented at the local PAHO office. She encouraged all present to "be the change you want to see" and distributed several of the "Respectful Workplace" flyers to those organizations represented.
There were a number of other presentations given during the conference including "A happy worker is a productive worker," the "Psychosocial impact of stress and violence on health workers" and "The case for economic investment in mental health." There were also two panel discussions which described best practices for mental health and wellness. The highlight of the second panel discussion was an account from an individual living with bipolar disorder, who had experienced stigma, discrimination and subsequent loss of job. This gave rise to much discussion and recommendations on how to help persons with mental illness in the work place.
