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Nigeria's Long Hours Culture Takes Toll on Workers' Mental Health

Nigeria's fast-paced work culture is harming workers' mental health. Long hours and limited flexibility are causing stress and decreasing productivity.

In this image we can see an advertisement and the picture of woman working at the desktop.
In this image we can see an advertisement and the picture of woman working at the desktop.

Nigeria's Long Hours Culture Takes Toll on Workers' Mental Health

Nigeria's fast-paced work culture, prioritising long hours over balance, is taking a toll on workers' mental health. Over 35% of Nigerian workers clocked more than 40 hours weekly in 2020, with 11% working over 60 hours. This intense work environment, coupled with limited flexibility, is leading to severe consequences.

Mental health, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being, is suffering. In 2020, 57% of Nigerian workers found their jobs stressful. The lack of work-life balance, a concept that enables individuals to effectively manage work and personal life activities, is contributing to this stress. Neglecting this issue results in decreased productivity, higher healthcare costs, and increased absenteeism.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, though not explicitly stated, is likely responsible for promoting work-life balance policies in Nigeria. However, the demanding economic environment and rapidly evolving society pose challenges to achieving this balance. Long working hours, intense competition, and limited flexibility opportunities are common in Nigeria's workforce.

Exploring the impact of work-life balance on mental health is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive workforce in Nigeria. Addressing this issue can help mitigate the severe consequences of neglecting mental health, such as decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs. It is high time the responsible authorities and employers prioritise work-life balance to safeguard the mental well-being of Nigerian workers.

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