CEO's MESSAGE
By Nirad Tewarie
CEO | AMCHAM T&T
A few months ago, I recognised that I needed a break from my day-to-day routines. Something didn’t feel right, and I knew it was time to reflect and recalibrate.
Leadership isn’t always easy. The weight of expectations and the responsibility of delivering results for those who rely on you can quickly become overwhelming. It’s difficult to perform at your best every day when the consequences of your decisions are so significant. However, it’s also vital to acknowledge when you can’t do it all, or be everything to everyone, all the time. In those moments, prioritising your own well-being is essential.
That’s exactly what I did. I took a few days off, and I’m fortunate to work for a boss who leads with compassion, and with a capable team that can step in to keep things running smoothly. This provided me with the time and space to reset and reflect. I recognise that I am one of the lucky ones, as not everyone has a work environment that values mental health in the same way.
The conversation around mental health in the workplace is not new, and it’s encouraging to see more organisations embracing its importance. I want to commend the leaders who are stepping up to this challenge, recognising that addressing the human elements of leadership is key to bringing out the best in their teams.
As we move forward, I hope we continue to see more of this, especially since the workplace can serve as either a trigger or a safe space for mental health challenges. Studies show that one in four people will experience a mental health issue in any given year.
While many view HSSE as focusing on physical well-being and environmental sustainability, it’s essential to understand that it also encompasses psychological and emotional well-being. Supporting mental health goes beyond simply reducing stress, preventing burnout, or offering counselling services – although these are important aspects of support. Equally as important, maybe even more so, is creating a culture where employees feel safe discussing their mental health concerns, where support systems are in place to guide them through challenges, and where the stigma surrounding mental health is actively broken down.
Supporting mental health in the workplace is not just a good thing to do; it’s a sound business strategy. According to the WHO, for every dollar spent on addressing common mental health issues at work, businesses see a return of up to four dollars in improved productivity and reduced absenteeism – an impressive 400% ROI.
But beyond the numbers, supporting mental health is simply the right thing to do. By doing so, we show our employees that they are valued beyond just the work they produce. We send the message that we see each other, that we are a team, and that we genuinely care about each other's overall well-being.
I hope 2025 sees us highlighting the importance of mental health in our daily lives – both at work and at home. We cannot overlook how the everyday struggles we face impact our physical and emotional health. We must lead with compassion and understanding, ensuring that we create a workplace that serves as a safe space for all employees to thrive and reach their full potential – both physically and mentally. I am sure the articles curated for this issue of Linkage will help us to achieve that as we explore the human factors in HSSE.
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