“Preserving Humanity”: Minister Griffith Calls for Radical Shift Toward Psychological Safety in the Workplace
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a powerful address at the opening of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Village and Job Fair on Main Street, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith challenged the status quo of Guyanese working culture. The Minister argued that “mental peace, dignity, and a sense of security” must be treated with the same urgency as physical safety, asserting that no worker should have to trade their well-being for a paycheck.
The event, which brought together hundreds of job seekers and employers, served as a platform for Griffith to highlight the “invisible dangers” that are currently stifling national productivity.
Redefining Danger: The Psychosocial Threat
Minister Griffith noted that while Guyana has historically focused on avoiding “visible danger” like construction falls or industrial accidents, the modern workplace is plagued by psychosocial risks that are “just as real and just as dangerous.”
- The Normalized Struggle: Griffith lamented that too many Guyanese have accepted chronic stress, depression, and emotional exhaustion as “normal features of earning a living.”
- Hidden Risks: He specifically identified burnout, harassment, job insecurity, excessive workloads, and poor organizational culture as primary threats to the workforce.
- The Global Impact: To underscore the gravity of the issue, the Minister cited global data showing that 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression and anxiety—a massive drain on both human potential and economic output.
A Call for a “Fundamental Shift”
For the Ministry of Labour, addressing these issues requires more than just updated handbooks; it demands a “wider cultural shift” across all levels of industry.
- Supportive Environments: Griffith posited that employees must be able to perform in conditions where they feel “secure, valued, and mentally well,” rather than overwhelmed or worn down.
- National Development: The Minister argued that mental health is not just a health issue, but a national development issue. A mentally healthy workforce, he noted, is a more productive and innovative one.
- The Role of Leadership: He called on employers and supervisors to move beyond policy and speeches, urging them to take active roles in fostering stable, respectful, and supportive environments.
Dignity as a Prerequisite
The Minister’s broader message was clear: labor protection is about preserving the humanity of the people who keep Guyana’s workplaces running. As the country continues its rapid economic transformation, Griffith is signaling that the “dignity of work” must remain at the center of the agenda. The OSH Village remains open through the end of the week, offering resources for both employers and workers to bridge the gap between physical safety and psychological well-being.
