In today's fast-paced world, achieving true wellbeing and maintaining sound mental health has become a priority for individuals and organizations alike. The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) 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. The sessions provide a platform for professionals in the pension industry to network, exchange ideas, and listen to subject matter experts discuss relevant topics.
