Firm expands safety culture with mental health initiative

Mental health advocates, corporate executives, human resource professionals, and education stakeholders gathered for the Century “Safe Spaces Initiative”, a programme organised by Century Group to promote healthier, safer, and more inclusive environments in schools and workplaces.

The event focused on psychosocial well-being, workplace safety culture, mental health awareness, and practical strategies for helping individuals thrive personally and professionally.

Speaking at the event, Century Group’s Group Head of Human Capital Management, Clifford Ere, explained why the company expanded its traditional safety framework to include mental well-being through a partnership with Revive Oasis.

According to Ere, workplace safety goes beyond hard hats, personal protective equipment, and regulations.

“We realised that safety is also an issue of the mind,” he said, noting that mental health challenges can lead to distraction, reduced productivity, and workplace errors.

Ere said the decision was reinforced by the loss of a former employee whose health challenges were not openly discussed.

“Psychological issues often lead to physiological and physical performance challenges. That realisation pushed us to take action,” he added.

Mental health advocate Segun Matthew stressed the importance of early intervention and recognising behavioural changes before challenges escalate.

“If someone who is usually outgoing suddenly becomes withdrawn or isolated, that may signal an internal struggle,” Mathew said.

He also encouraged employers, educators, and colleagues to pay attention to declines in productivity and daily functioning, noting that timely support can make a significant difference.

AI, Data and Strategy Advisor Dr. Olugbumi Alabi Adebanjo shared her personal experience of overcoming business setbacks and mental pressure.

She recounted receiving a ₦10 million grant to launch an e-commerce business after completing her studies. Although the venture initially succeeded, economic changes in 2015 significantly affected consumer spending, leading to a difficult period.

“I went through a very dark stage. I was used to seeing many orders daily, then suddenly only a few. At one point, I broke down and cried to my mother because the pressure became overwhelming,” she said.

Drawing from that experience, Adebanjo encouraged participants to identify both short-term and long-term stress-management strategies.

“Understand what your quick reset and long-term reset are,” she advised.

For her, quick resets include enjoying chamomile tea, taking long showers, reading, listening to music, or dancing.

She also emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

“If you can take care of yourself and maintain balance, you will be in a much better position to support others,” she said.