Bertha Gxowa Hospital shines the spotlight on employees’ mental health
The theme couldn’t be more timely or more urgent. We are living in an age where workplace pressures, societal challenges, and personal demands often collide, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and isolated," said Khumalo.
Bertha Gxowa Hospital hosted a Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10, focusing on the well-being of its employees.
The event, held under the theme ‘It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’, saw attendees donning green, the symbolic colour for mental health awareness.
Hospital CEO Lebohang Khumalo delivered the keynote address, emphasising the urgency of addressing mental health in professional environments.
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“Workplace pressures, societal challenges and personal demands often collide, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and isolated,” Khumalo stated.
She added that the pandemic exacerbated existing mental health challenges, such as burnout and depression, that were already prevalent but often overlooked due to stigma.
Khumalo stressed the need for organisational responsibility in addressing mental health, highlighting its impact on productivity, creativity and workplace culture.
“Mental health is not a personal issue; it is an organisational responsibility,” she said, advocating for policies that provide support structures and mental wellness programs.
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She called for open conversations and proactive measures, urging leaders to foster an environment where mental health is treated as seriously as physical health.
“Compassionate leadership sets the tone,” she noted, encouraging management to lead by example and create safe spaces for employees to seek help without fear or judgment.
Following Khumalo’s address, staff from the clinical psychology and psychiatry departments also spoke, before the event concluded with music.
Bertha Gxowa Hospital’s initiative aligns with the global effort to prioritise mental health, particularly in high-pressure environments like healthcare.
