CBE, firm join forces to elevate workplace mental health awareness

THE Bloom Wellness Tanzania Limited has partnered with the College of Business Education (CBE) to conduct specialised training on workplace mental health competency to reduce mental health problems.

Bloom Wellness Tanzania is a provider of wellness services to corporate entities. The company’s Managing Director, Ms Sophia Byanaku told the Daily News that the training programme was strategically designed to elevate workplace mental health awareness and break down stigma, cultivating a culture of support and resilience and aimed at employees from both public and private sectors.

“There have been many challenges in recent years, so people should get training and under- standing of the matter to be able to avoid things that cause mental health problems.

“Health is wealth and the true wealth of a company lies in the health and well-being of its workforce,” said Ms Byanaku.

The training included partic- ipants from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Amana Bank, Doctors Plaza Poly clinic, Global Education Link, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC).

She said the diverse group of professionals marked the beginning of a nationwide effort to ad- dress mental and emotional wellness in the workplace.

“By integrating emotional resilience tactics, the programme prepares participants to adeptly manage professional stressors, enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.

This initiative not only boosts organisational efficiency but also contributes to national well-being, emphasising mental health as a key factor in societal prosperity,” she said.

Ms Byanaku emphasised the critical importance of incorporating wellness programmes into annual strategic plans, advocat- ing for the well-being of employees to be valued and invested in on par with traditional benefits like medical insurance

A participant from Amana Bank, Warda Karama said the training was a revelation and meaningful to their people. “It’s not just about the cer- tificate, it’s about the life-changng tools and insights we have gained. Our company now has a roadmap to a healthier, more en- gaged workforce and personally I feel equipped to contribute to a supportive work environment,” said Ms Karama.

CBE Deputy Rector, Mr Masoud Mramba said the sessions were more than educational where there is a commitment to the nation’s progress.

He said it empowers individuals with the expertise to sustain their mental and emotional wellness, promoting personal de- velopment that transcended the workplace. He said by recognising the ongoing need for mental health competency in the rapidly changing work environment, they committed to conduct the training sessions on a quarterly basis.

“This sustained effort en- sures that the knowledge and skills imparted remain relevant and are continually refreshed,” Mr Mramba said.

1. They call upon other corpo- rate and public entities to participate in the training sessions. Investing in employees’ mental health is not just a corporate re- sponsibility but a strategic move toward building a more resilient, productive, and mentally healthy workforce.