Poor mental health at workplace costs the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity, the World Health Organization, says its latest report on mental wellness in the world.

Consequently, WHO has sent out an appeal to business owners to prioritise employee’s health and well-being to boost workplace productivity and long-term success.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner event for Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) members in Mombasa, Lifecare International Insurance Brokers Team Lead, Umema Abdulhusein, highlighted the critical link between employee well-being and business performance.

Citing studies on global mental health, Abdulhusein said one of the biggest predictors of a company’s long-term success is not strategy or technology but the well-being of its people.

She further said that the importance of a healthy workforce cannot be gainsaid. “Our workforce requires health insurance coverage and this will benefit their health. A healthier workforce means that you have better business results,” she said.

She expounded that, as an insurance broker, they provide value-added propositions like 24-hour medical concierge and assistance services, telehealth, medicine deliveries and free consultations online.

To address the challenge of mental health issues at workplaces, the firm has curated a programme that provides a solution for a healthy workforce.

“We provide insurance services – a health insurance service that will cover their health including a cover for mental health support and also support for emotional assistance programmes,” she said.

KNCCI Mombasa Chapter Chairman, Abud Jamal, extolled the insurance firm for teaching chamber members about the benefits of health insurance urging businesses to incorporate wellness programmes in their day-to-day activities.

“It’s very important for them to come on board and assist our companies and our entrepreneurs by ensuring they have health insurance,” he said.

“I implore business owners, entrepreneurs, company owners and organisations to try, adapt and put in place measures to look after their employees in terms of health and mental well-being awareness,” said Jamal.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sadik Hassan

Lifecare International Insurance Brokers Team Lead, Umema Abdulhusein (middle) addresses media on the importance of employees’ well-being during an Iftar dinner at a Mombasa hotel. Credit: Haniel Mengistu