A Global Issue Affecting All Workers
Minister Koroilavesau: Problems can lead to lowered self-esteem and poor concentration skills.
Work-related stress is a global issue affecting all professions and workers in developed and developing countries, says the International Labour Organisation ( ILO). This was revealed by the Minister for Employment, Semi Koroilavesau, while officiating at the 2016 World Day for Safety and Health at Work workshop this week. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is normally marked on April 28, each year and the day was declared by the ILO to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. The workshop was held at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami targeting employers, workers and Government representatives with the theme “Workplace Stress – A Collective Challenge.”
“Workers all over the world are facing significant changes in work organisation and labour relations,” he said. “Workers are under greater pressure to meet the demands of modern working life. With the pace of work dictated by instant communications and high levels of global competition, the lines separating work from life are becoming more and more difficult to identify.” But the minister emphasised that without health at work a person could not contribute to society and achieve wellbeing.
“If health at work is threatened, there is no basis for productive employment and socio-economic development,” the minister said. He urged employers and workers to manage workplace stress through collective measures because it was an essential part for both individuals and at corporate level to ensure that workplaces are healthy, safe and productive to work in. Similar programmes were organised in the North on April 21, and the West on Tuesday.