Stress, harassment and heavy workload taking toll on workforce – Griffith 

Stress, burnout, workplace harassment, excessive workloads and poor organisational culture can have serious consequences not only for workers but also for businesses and the wider economy, according to Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith.

Addressing the AmCham Guyana Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Conference on Thursday, Griffith urged employers to pay greater attention to the psychosocial wellbeing of employees, describing it as a critical component of workplace safety.

Griffith noted that as Guyana’s economy continues to expand, employers must create work environments where employees feel supported, respected and comfortable raising concerns about the challenges they face on the job.

“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,” Griffith said.

Griffith is therefore encouraging industry leaders to foster workplace cultures that openly address the psychological effects of work and promote employee wellbeing.

“We must cultivate an ecosystem in our workspaces where people can willingly not just engage the work but be willing to talk about the psychosocial effects of work so that they can do their work in the best way possible,” he said.

He also emphasised that workplace safety extends beyond preventing physical injuries, noting that employees must also feel empowered to speak up without fear.

“Psychosocial safety is just as important as physical safety,” he said.

Griffith urged both employers and workers to play their part in creating healthier workplaces, stressing that employee wellbeing is essential to sustaining productivity and economic growth.