With so many adults living with a serious mental health impairment, it is important to create a good mental health work environment for employees. This article examines how mental health issues can impact the workplace. The goal of SDG target 3.4 is to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
The Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs aims to inspire all business — regardless of size, sector or geography — to take leading action in support of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It illustrates how the five leadership qualities of Ambition, Collaboration, Accountability, Consistency, and Intentional can be applied to a business' strategy, business model, products, supply chain, partnerships, and operations to raise the bar and create impact at scale. The Blueprint is a tool for any business that is ready to advance its principled approach to SDG action to become a leader. This chapter relates specifically to SDG 3.
Mental ill health is the third biggest cause of absence in the workplace. The mental health equivalent of a physical first-aid course provides participants with the skills and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and effectively guide a person towards the right support. By adpating this course, more efforts can be made to meet SDG 3.4 by utilising preventive methods and treatment to promote mental health and well-being.
This case study looks at the impact of stress on a part-time worker with celebral palsy, and its effect on their well-being. The study shows how using a proactive approach, including the use of HSE stress management standards, can help to avoid negative outcomes for the employee. Stress management in the workplace contributes to the advancement of SDG 3.4 to prevent and treat mental health issues and promote well-being.
This article advances SDGs 3, 5, and 16 by providing a broad overview of global violence aginst women and highlighting the difference health professionals can make for women who experience violence in its multiple forms.
PTSD Resolution has launched a training programme for managers with employees who are suffering from PTSD. The programme was initially set up in response to demand from employers of former soldiers. Programmes to tackle PTS contribute to advancing SDG 3.4 to prevent and treat mental health issues and promote well-being
"The Elsevier Foundation is partnering with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and their training and research partner, Epicentre, to support the Niger Research Center. By building the Center's capacity and supporting African-driven research this project directly supports SDG 3, with a focus on target 3B. At the heart of this project is the development of a new vaccine to fight rotavirus."
Employers should address rising stress and mental health risk through collaboration between internal departments and insurance providers. A dedicated employee risk manager is part of the solution, argues Andrew Woolnough, value propositions director at Willis Employee Benefits. Companies have an important role to play in advancing SDG 3.4 to promote mental health and well-being.
Partner content
United Nations UniversityUnited Nations University, New York, June 2016.
Contributing to SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), this concept note explores an integrated approach for the international drug control regime.
This webinar addresses health and well-being in the workplace, which are issues that are covered by Goal 3
