The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on employers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts toward developing and sustaining healthy psychosocial work environments. According to NECA, this is a critical pathway to improved productivity, employees’ well-being, and organisational resilience.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026
Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, gave the charge yesterday in commemoration of the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The theme for this year is “Good Psychosocial Working Environments: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organisations.” Oyerinde explained that the theme highlights the growing importance of mental and emotional well-being in the workplace and reinforces the need for a more holistic approach to occupational safety and health.
“Across sectors, there is increasing recognition that workplace wellbeing extends beyond physical safety. A healthy psychosocial work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and able to perform optimally is essential for organisational effectiveness and long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Progress and Collective Action Needed
Oyerinde noted that while progress has been made in improving workplace practices, there is a need for sustained and collective action to further strengthen psychosocial conditions. This should align with evolving global standards, including guidance from the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He emphasised that psychosocial wellbeing is influenced by how work is structured, managed, and experienced.
He encouraged stakeholders to adopt intentional strategies that promote positive work environments. These include clear job roles, manageable workloads, supportive leadership, open communication, and policies that promote work-life balance and inclusion.
“Creating healthy psychosocial work environments requires deliberate and continuous effort. Employers, in particular, play a pivotal role by embedding supportive systems and fostering workplace cultures rooted in trust, respect, and fairness,” he added.
Strengthening Institutional Frameworks
The director-general also underscored the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks and workplace practices that support employee wellbeing. This includes access to counselling services, employee engagement mechanisms, and transparent organisational policies.
He referenced the NSITF–NECA Safe Workplace Intervention Project (SWIP) as a practical demonstration of NECA’s commitment to advancing workplace safety through proactive and preventive approaches. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), evolved from the employees’ compensation scheme.
“While the employees’ compensation scheme provides support in cases of workplace incidents, NECA continues to emphasise prevention as the most effective approach to workplace safety. This includes expanding the scope of safety initiatives to address psychosocial risks alongside physical hazards,” he further stated.
Call for Integration and Knowledge Sharing
NECA urged all stakeholders to integrate psychosocial risk management into existing workplace safety frameworks. This ensures a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to employee wellbeing. As part of activities marking this year’s commemoration, NECA will host a knowledge sharing session themed: “From Compliance to Commitment: Building Sustainable Safety Cultures at Work.” The session will provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights, exchange best practices, and reinforce collective commitment to safer and healthier workplaces.
NECA called on employers, government institutions, and social partners to continue working collaboratively to build work environments that not only drive productivity but also support the dignity, well-being, and full potential of every worker.
