Mind the Gap: Building inclusive workplaces across generations
Joshua Awesome is a Coaching Psychologist/Executive and Business Performance Coach who has supported over 100,000 professionals across Africa and the globe. He can be reached via: joshua@mindinstitute.africa
I had the honour of co-hosting a “Mental Health and Workplace Wellness Webinar” last week. The theme, “Bridging Inter-Generational Mind-Gap for the Future of Work: An African Perspective,” brought together a stellar lineup of experts, including Zourera Youssoufou, CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation; Dr. Tunde Massey Ojo, National Coordinator of the Mental Health Programme at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health; Dr. Janis Davis-Street, Manager of Workforce and Community Health at Chevron; Dr. Margaret Kagwe, Psychologist and Publisher Esteem Magazine; and Dr. Tourisi, Psychiatrist at African Global Health (AGH) Morocco, with a closing by Mr. Amaechi Okobi, Brand Lead, Access Corporation. The event was hosted by the dynamic Dr. Mories Atoki, CEO, ABC Health.
The discussions were both enlightening and thought-provoking, revealing pressing challenges and actionable solutions to foster mental health and intergenerational harmony in the workplace. Drawing from the insights shared, here are four critical lessons and actionable advice for professionals to create thriving, inclusive workplaces:
1. Collaboration is key: Building bridges, not walls
Dr. Tunde Massey Ojo’s keynote address resonated deeply with the audience. He highlighted the growing tension between older and younger generations in the workplace. “The old don’t want to let go of their old ways, while the new and digital age thinks the old are analog and should be done away with,” he remarked. His solution? Collaboration.
Key takeaways include:
• Foster Mutual Respect: Recognise the value each generation brings. Younger professionals bring tech-savviness and fresh perspectives, while seasoned colleagues contribute wisdom and experience.
• Inclusive Policy Design: Involve all generations in policy-making processes, from conception to implementation. This ensures policies are practical, relevant, and widely accepted.
• Intentional Strategies: Create platforms for intergenerational dialogue, such as mentorship programmes and cross-generational projects.
• Actionable Tip: Organise regular “village square” meetings within your organisation, where employees across generations share ideas, voice concerns, and co-create solutions. This fosters a sense of community and mutual understanding.
2. Psychological safety: The cornerstone of workplace well-being
Dr. Janis Davis-Street emphasised the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces at work. She pointed out that while technology has led to the development of over 10,000 mental health apps, unregulated tools can’t replace ethical, professional guidance.
Key takeaways include:
• Establish Trust: Encourage open communication without fear of judgment or retaliation. Employees should feel safe to express concerns and seek help.
• Ethical Standards: Advocate for industry regulations to ensure mental health apps and services meet professional and ethical guidelines.
• Normalise Mental Health Conversations: Destigmatize mental health by integrating it into regular workplace discussions and training sessions.
Actionable Tip: Implement anonymous employee feedback systems to gauge workplace stress levels and address concerns proactively. Pair this with professional mental health resources for comprehensive support.
3. Human connection: Bridging the gap through empathy
Dr. Margaret Kagwe’s insights underscored the power of human touch in addressing mental health challenges. “Theory is just theory until it’s bridged through human connection,” she said. Practical steps such as mental health walks, team bonding activities, and cross-generational engagement can help bridge divides and foster empathy.
Key takeaways include:
• Encourage Team Bonding: Activities that bring employees together, like team-building retreats or volunteer initiatives, can strengthen relationships and reduce workplace stress.
• Promote Mental Health Walks: These informal gatherings combine physical activity with open conversations, fostering both physical and mental well-being.
• Cross-Generational Initiatives: Pair younger employees with seasoned professionals in mentorship or reverse mentorship programmes.
Actionable Tip: Organise a monthly “Wellness Wednesday” where employees participate in activities such as mindfulness sessions, gratitude exercises, or team-building games.
4. United effort: Prioritising mental health in policies and practice
Dr. Tourisi’s observations from Morocco revealed the alarming rise in workplace stress, with over 40 percent of patients in her practice citing job-related issues. She also highlighted the disparity in mental health resources, with only one therapist per 100,000 people in Morocco.
Key takeaways include:
• Scale Up Resources: Invest in accessible mental health services, both in-person and online. Dr. Tourisi’s example of Mental Health Connect — an online service with over 50,000 consultations — showcased how digital platforms can bridge the gap.
• Recognise Stress as a Serious Issue: Address rising sick leave and time-off requests by tackling the root causes of workplace stress.
• Advocate for Policy Change: Push for national and organisational policies that prioritise mental health, such as mandatory mental health training for managers.
Actionable Tip: Partner with reputable mental health organisations to provide employees with free or subsidised access to counseling and wellness programmes.
The power of collective effort
The webinar concluded on a high note, with laughter and camaraderie as I shared my “Madiba Jive”— a celebratory move I first performed after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in honour of Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday. I likened that victory to the collective success of our webinar, which highlighted the importance of unity in addressing workplace mental health challenges.
The path to bridging the intergenerational mind-gap and prioritising mental health in the workplace requires intentionality, empathy, and collaboration. As professionals, we must champion these values not only for ourselves but for the future of work in Africa and beyond. Let’s make our workplaces the “village squares” Dr. Ojo envisioned — spaces where every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every generation thrives.