In 2024, mental health in Africa continues to require attention and active prioritization by workplace leaders. Seven out of ten people worldwide struggle with mental health issues, contributing to one trillion dollars in lost productivity due to anxiety and depression in the global economy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 116 million people in Africa are estimated to be living with mental health conditions even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this high prevalence, access to quality mental healthcare remains low across the continent. This is due to a combination of factors, including stigma surrounding mental health, lack of resources, and insufficient trained professionals.
Research figures on mental health at work in Rwanda show that 64% of employees describe their jobs as stressful, 52% believe mental health interfered with their work, 24% had panic at work and 41% diagnosed with mental health issues but only a quarter felt comfortable taking a day off to care for their mental health.
Olive Mukundwa, a tech employee, feels intense pressure from her manager to achieve company objectives. This relentless focus on results comes at the expense of employee well-being, as her boss seems unconcerned about the demands placed on the staff.
“The pressure to deliver becomes too much to an extent that I sometimes see my boss as a monster in the room because of the harshness and attitude of expression that creates fear instead of space for innovation,” she says.
A recent social dialogue hosted by Solid Minds counselling clinic in Kigali addressed the importance of mental health in the workplace. The discussion focused on the potential benefits of requiring employers to provide mental health wellness insurance and care services to their employees. Proponents argued that such a policy could improve both individual and institutional productivity, while also fostering a healthier and more positive work environment.
This timely dialogue, titled “Live Out Your Potential: A Focus on Mental Health, Critical to Organisational Success and Well-being,” is being held as Rwanda undergoes rapid development. It’s no coincidence that mental health is becoming a prominent topic of national conversation.
Panelists who included employers and Human Resource (HR) managers acknowledged that though mental healthcare and services are highly needed at workplaces, most employers have not fully embraced putting these structures in place.
Dr. Darius Gishoma, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health Mental Health Division Manager, pointed to a rise in people seeking private mental healthcare, highlighting the unmet need.
According to him, this need is further amplified by the historical trauma of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, leaving a significant burden on Rwandans’ mental well-being.
Dr. Gishoma emphasised the importance of interventions across all settings with one in five adults and one in ten children requiring mental healthcare. Depression is the most common condition, affecting 11.9% of the population. Other prevalent conditions include Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 3.6% and alcohol and substance abuse disorder at 1.9%.
“This means people in the workplace cannot ignore mental health issues at home and function properly. We have high issues of work stress, burning out especially in the health system. This is an important theme and applies in all areas of industry, mining, etc. thus the need to have this discussion,” Gishoma said.
Dr. Gishoma stressed the need for accessible mental health interventions in everyday settings – workplaces, schools, and homes. He emphasized the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, highlighting how mental well-being impacts both personal and professional lives.
Celine Uwineza, the Co-founder and Director of Human Resources in-charge of Employee Relations and Staff Welfare at Right Seat-Rwanda highlighted the need for insurance companies to add mental health coverage in their insurance packages.
In Rwanda, access to mental healthcare through employer-sponsored insurance is scarce. Currently, only one company, Eden Care, offers such coverage.
Paulette Mpano, People & Culture Director at Irembo Platform, acknowledges the lack of mental health support in many workplaces and the resistance employees often have towards seeking help. To address this, Irembo has partnered with online counselling services, making mental health resources more accessible to their staff.
Mpano emphasises the importance of comprehensive mental health services for employee well-being and productivity. Irembo collects employee feedback biannually, alongside performance metrics. The data shows a clear connection between mental health support and employee engagement, highlighting the value of such programs for businesses.
Solid Minds Clinical Director and psychologist, Justine Mukamwezi said the forum comes with takeaways for employers to consider as an imperative for success and well-being, both individually and at the organisational level.
“Make taking time for therapy a normal thing and allow the culture to grow in workplaces,” Mukamwezi said.
The forum highlighted the interconnectedness of mental well-being across home, school, and work environments. Neglecting any of these areas can impact families, as each space places unique demands on individuals.
Bruno Tayeb, General Manager of Happy Hearts Montessori School, emphasised this interconnectedness. He pointed out that while home, school, and work form a continuum, the responsibility for addressing student mental health often falls solely on teachers. Interestingly, parents at international schools, where tuition is high, are often willing to pay extra for such support, suggesting a gap between what’s currently offered and what’s desired.
“It is important to develop local talent in therapy and counselling because school cannot do it all for parents,” Tayeb said.
Alphonse Mushimiyimana, from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programs at the University of Rwanda, pointed out that current school structures and activities can create significant pressure for students, families, and teachers. He emphasized the importance of shifting towards positive approaches and initiatives to address this challenge.
The dialogue concluded with several key takeaways aimed at improving mental health support across different environments. In the workplace, participants emphasised the need for employee assistance programs, reasonable time off for therapy, and the inclusion of mental health services in life/medical insurance.
For educational settings, the focus shifted to integrating positive mental health activities and initiatives into schools. Additionally, the dialogue highlighted the importance of training leaders and educators, promoting parental involvement in student mental well-being, and establishing measures for early detection of mental health challenges among learners.
