Creating a Sound Workplace Environment for Youth and Women in Bangladesh

Shohel Mamun

As per World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. So wellness does not only mean being physically healthy, mental and social aspects are equally important in good health. Like other countries, Bangladesh will observe “World Mental Health Day” on 10 October, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The theme this year is “It's time to prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace".It is an opportune moment to reflect on how we can create a sound and supportive environment at the workplace in Bangladesh to ensure the mental well-being of these key demographics.

Mental health is no longer a peripheral issue in the discourse of public health. It has become a vital conversation, especially in Bangladesh, where societal, economic, and cultural pressures are often overwhelming for many, particularly youth and women. In a country where mental health remains stigmatized, the call for attention to workplace environments becomes even more pressing.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), nearly 7 million people in Bangladesh suffer from some form of mental health disorder, and many more are left undiagnosed or untreated. Young professionals and women, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, are especially vulnerable to work-related stress, anxiety, and burnout.

The Current Situation: The Need for a Mental Health-Centric Workplace

Workplace environments can either be a source of stress or a place of growth and support. However, mental health issues in professional settings are often overshadowed by the high demands of productivity and success. In Bangladesh, the challenge is multi-faceted. Youth and women face a range of issues—gender inequality, societal expectations, job insecurity, and a lack of proper mental health resources at the workplace.

A recent study by the Aachol Foundation, who working for mental health awareness in Bangladesh, revealed that 63% of university students in Bangladesh experienced depression during the pandemic, a number that has lingered even post-pandemic as many young professionals grapple with job instability, financial stress, and an uncertain future. These mental health challenges often follow young graduates into the workplace, where there is limited support for managing stress, anxiety, or burnout.

For women, the situation is compounded by additional societal pressures, family obligations, and workplace discrimination. According to the UNDP, the participation of women in the Bangladeshi workforce stands at 36.3% as of 2021. Yet, despite this growing representation, women often feel unsupported when it comes to balancing work, family, and mental health needs.

Government and Private Initiatives: Positive Steps Forward

There have been encouraging steps taken by both the government and private organizations to address these issues. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recently initiated programs aimed at expanding access to mental health care, including the incorporation of mental health services into primary healthcare units across the country. This is a commendable initiative, but there is still much more to be done.

Private sector organizations, such as Grameenphone and BRAC, have also begun to recognize the importance of mental health. Many companies are introducing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and mental health support. Still, these efforts remain in the early stages, and there is a need for a more widespread adoption of mental health policies in both public and private sectors.

Moreover, many organizations like the Aachol Foundation have been at the forefront of mental health advocacy, especially for young professionals. Aachol runs multiple awareness campaigns, organizes mental health first aid training, and provides free counseling services to students and professionals alike. Such efforts are crucial for creating awareness and offering practical solutions, yet these organizations often operate on limited funding and resources, limiting the scale of their outreach.

What Needs to be Done: Building a Sound Workplace Environment

To build a sound and supportive workplace environment for youth and women in Bangladesh, there are several key actions that employers, policymakers, and society need to embrace:

Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma: Mental health remains a highly stigmatized issue in Bangladesh, with discussions about mental disorders often hushed or dismissed as personal weakness or “madness.” Many people do not seek help due to societal shame and lack of policies by the office administration. By observing World Mental Health Day, awareness campaigns at corporate offices and other workplaces can break this silence and educate the public on the importance of mental well-being. The day can serve as a platform for promoting dialogue, helping to destigmatize mental health issues, and encouraging people to seek professional support without fear of judgment.

Mental Health Policies and Training: Every workplace, whether in the public or private sector, should have clear mental health policies. These policies should include regular mental health awareness training, stress management workshops, and easily accessible counseling services. Employees, especially youth and women, should know that their mental well-being is a priority.

Gender-Sensitive Workplaces: For women, it is essential that workplaces adopt policies that promote gender equality and address the unique challenges women face. This includes providing flexible working hours, maternity leave, and policies that combat sexual harassment and discrimination. Gender-sensitive mental health support should be included in these policies, as women often face different stressors compared to their male counterparts.

Promotion of Work-Life Balance: One of the major contributors to poor mental health is an unhealthy work-life balance. Companies should actively promote a culture that allows employees to disconnect from work during their personal time, ensuring that work does not take precedence over mental well-being. Flexibility, remote work options, and adequate vacation time are critical components of a supportive environment.

Integration of Technology for Mental Health: Technology can play a crucial role in providing mental health support. The government, in collaboration with NGOs, can introduce mobile applications and online counseling services that provide mental health assistance. These platforms can offer anonymous, easy-to-access support, which is particularly important in a society where stigma still surrounds the discussion of mental health.

Collaboration between Stakeholders: There needs to be a concerted effort involving the government, private sector, and NGOs to create a holistic approach to mental health at the workplace. Public-private partnerships can help bring in resources, while NGO-led campaigns can raise awareness and provide on-the-ground support.

World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that mental health is a fundamental aspect of human well-being, and it must be treated as such in every sphere of life, including the workplace. In Bangladesh, where youth and women are crucial drivers of the economy, their mental health should be prioritized through supportive policies, resources, and an environment that promotes balance and equality.The combined efforts of the government, private organizations, and NGOs like the Aachol Foundation offer a glimpse of hope, but more needs to be done. By addressing mental health in the workplace today, we can ensure a healthier, more productive, and inclusive workforce for tomorrow. Only then will we truly be able to say that we are building a better Bangladesh.