BY NKECHI NAECHE ESEZOBOR—APension Fund Operators Association (PenOp) has emphasised on the need for sound mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The Association says, that in today’s fast-paced world, achieving true wellbeing and maintaining sound mental health has become a priority for individuals and organizations alike.
It added that the Association recognizing the importance of this, recently organized a webinar titled “Mental Health, Managing Stress and Depression” to educate professionals within the pension industry on leveraging mental health for lasting change.
The online session, emphasized the crucial role of mental health in overall wellbeing. It sought to highlight the fact that good health encompasses physical, mental, social, spiritual, and financial aspects, going beyond the mere absence of diseases or infirmity. The overall aim of the session was to equip pension professionals with the knowledge and tools to manage stress and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Oguche Agudah, the Chief Executive Officer of PenOp, emphasized the need for managers and business leaders to always look out for the total wellbeing of their subordinates and employees. Dr. Gbenga Adebayo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Living Health International, a renowned Health and Wellness Solutions Company in Nigeria, facilitated the webinar, drawing on his 15 years of experience in delivering training to various sectors.
One of the key highlights of the seminar was the need for organizations and individuals to develop wellness and resilience plans to safeguard mental health. Participants were educated on various forms of mental distortions and the importance of sensitizing staff to “stop the stigma of mental health.” Social support, prevention strategies, and effective coping skills were emphasized as essential tools for building strength, managing time, and living a stress-free life.
The session also explored the concept of “treatment” in mental wellbeing, including biological, psychosocial, and social rehabilitation approaches. The ABC (Awareness, Balance, and Control) approaches to mental wellbeing were discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses to strike a balance and gain control over life circumstances. Creating a safe space within organizations for individuals to openly discuss their mental state and stress was identified as a crucial step towards supporting employees’ mental health.
In conclusion, the ABC approach to mental wellbeing is a vital component in achieving true wellbeing for individuals and organizations. The seminar which had over 300 participants sought to equip pension professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage stress, promote mental health, and establish a healthy work-life balance. By fostering an environment that encourages open discussions about mental health, the pension industry can create a supportive space for individuals to thrive and contribute effectively to the growth of the industry and the Nation at large.
In addition to the webinar, PenOp stated that this is the start of its quarterly wellness sessions, focusing on providing staff within the pension industry with tools and knowledge to live a balanced life.
The webinar was part of PenOp’s ongoing monthly knowledge-sharing sessions. These sessions provide a platform for professionals in the pension industry to network, exchange ideas, and listen to subject matter experts discuss relevant topics.
About PenOp
Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) is an independent, non-governmental, non-political and non-profit making body.
PenOp was established to promote the operations of the pension industry, provide for self-regulation and ensure that international best practices relating to the industry are observed by the operators registered in Nigeria. It is the umbrella association for all the Licensed Pension Fund Custodians, Pension Fund Administrators and Closed Pension Fund Administrators (PFCs, PFAs and CPFAs) operating in Nigeria.
Its role internally, is to add value to its members across all levels; information, education, visibility, networking, strategy, product development, etc. Externally its role is to increase the awareness and visibility of the pension industry and enable external stakeholders understand and participate in the development of this financial sub-sector wherever and whenever possible.
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