Hannah Bamigbola is a US-based mental health professional with expertise in people management. She currently serves as an outpatient therapist in the Family and Children Services division of the East Alabama Mental Health Centre. In this interview by SEGUN ADEBAYO, she addresses various family structures and issues.
YOUR career has been in the spotlight since 2017, and it appears you were quite established even then, possibly while you were still in Nigeria. Did you always have a clear vision for your career from a young age?
Looking back, it might seem like I had a clear path. However, like many people, it was more about embracing opportunities as they came. One clear thing was my passion for human resources, beyond the traditional human resources, and I discovered a strong interest in training and development. This unexpected path provided a wealth of learning experiences and strategic detours which I fully embraced.
How has your training in mental health enhanced your skills in the corporate sector?
My professional training in mental health provides both credibility and a deep understanding of human behaviour, making me adept at navigating complex situations and fostering employee well-being. Essentially, I can translate therapeutic principles into practical applications that benefit both an organisation and its employees.
How do you plan to expand your impact in the field of workplace mental health?
I would be collaborating with organisations to develop scalable workplace mental health programmes, utilising technology to make them accessible. I am actively pursuing full licensure in the United States and developing a new project focused on holistic employee wellness programmes. This project would be launched upon completion of my licensure.
What inspired you to pursue licensure in marriage and family therapy?
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is not just a career shift for me. It is a strategic evolution of my employee experience focus. Studies demonstrate MFT’s impact on work which includes boosting productivity, strengthening coworker bonds, and promoting emotional wellbeing. These benefits translate directly to healthier, more productive organisational cultures, perfectly aligning with my passion. Through MFT licensure, I can bridge the gap between personal and professional wellbeing, fostering a holistic win-win for employees and organisations.
How do your experiences as a mental health professional inform your approach to improving employee experience in the workplace?
As a trained mental health professional, I translate my deep understanding of human behaviour and relationships into building workplaces that prioritise mental well-being. I can craft supportive environments that acknowledge the holistic pressures employees face, both at work and in their personal lives. This translates to programmes and policies that effectively address employee needs and create a culture of well-being.
What are the key similarities you have noticed between family dynamics and workplace dynamics?
Both settings require effective communication, respect, and understanding to function well. Issues like conflict resolution, role clarity, and emotional support are common in both environments, making my skills translate seamlessly and highly beneficial in fostering strong teamwork and collaboration in business environments.
How can employers better support employees who are also managing significant family responsibilities?
Employers can offer flexible working arrangements, provide access to resources such as mental health support, and create a more understanding workplace culture. Regular check-ins by managers and dedicated support groups for parents can also be invaluable.
What are some common challenges you observe among working parents based on your clinical observations?
Many of the parents I work with struggle with juggling work demands with parenting which often leads to high stress, guilt, and burnout. They also frequently feel overwhelmed by the stigma associated with their children’s conditions. Unsurprisingly, this can significantly impact their focus and productivity at work.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
That would be blending employee experience with mental health. I find immense satisfaction in crafting strategies that bridge this gap. It is not just about creating a supportive work environment but crafting measurable improvements for both employees and the business. This dual impact, empowering individuals and driving business success, I find very rewarding.
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