Labour Minister Keoma Griffith addressed the AmCham Guyana Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Conference, emphasizing the importance of workplace wellbeing as a national priority. He pointed out that issues such as stress, burnout, workplace harassment, excessive workloads, and weak organizational culture can significantly affect workers, businesses, and the broader economy.
Minister Griffith urged employers to prioritize the psychosocial wellbeing of employees as a fundamental aspect of workplace safety. He noted that with the ongoing expansion of Guyana’s economy, it is crucial for employers to create supportive work environments where employees feel respected, valued, and comfortable discussing the challenges they encounter at work.
He stated, “A serious conversation that workplaces should start having is how do they ensure the psychosocial health of our workers; that they can come to work and be happy while they are at work, that they are not disgruntled, they are not anxious about the work that they are doing.” He encouraged industry leaders to actively promote workplace cultures that acknowledge and address the psychological impacts of work while enhancing overall employee wellbeing.
Minister Griffith further highlighted that workplace safety encompasses more than just physical protection. He emphasized the necessity for employees to feel secure enough to voice their concerns without fear of victimization, asserting that “psychosocial safety is just as important as physical safety.”
He concluded by urging both employers and employees to take shared responsibility in fostering healthier workplaces, stating that the wellbeing of workers is vital for maintaining productivity and supporting long-term economic growth.
Source: snn.gy
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