A health and wellness expert, Mrs. Adenike Adebagbo, has expressed concern over the increasing number of overworked and stressed employees across Nigeria, calling on employers and policymakers to act swiftly.
Mrs. Adebagbo, Chief Executive Officer of Beth Beauty Medical Spa, spoke in Lagos on Saturday during an interview. She was responding to a recently released workplace report that highlights the growing impact of stress on Nigerian workers.
She stated that workplace stress is not merely a personal issue but a significant organisational and national economic concern.
“A 2025 study indicates that nearly half of Nigerian workers suffer from chronic stress, leading to decreased productivity, mental health challenges, and physical illness,” she said.
Citing findings from the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, which tracks employees’ perceptions of their work and life, Adebagbo noted that Nigeria ranks sixth among Sub-Saharan African countries with the most stressed workers.
Referencing data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), she explained that workplace stress costs businesses billions of Naira annually in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenditure.
“This situation is becoming increasingly dire and must not be ignored, especially at a time when Nigeria is already grappling with economic strain,” she said.
To address the challenge, Adebagbo recommended relaxation therapy as a practical and effective tool for improving employee wellbeing.
According to her, relaxation therapy comprises techniques designed to reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall health.
“Relaxation therapy offers a viable solution to the growing stress undermining individual performance and national progress,” she said. “Integrating such practices into workplace culture will not only prioritise employee welfare but also strengthen Nigeria’s workforce resilience.”
She added that relaxation therapy could help build a healthier, more productive, and adaptable workforce prepared for the demands of 2025 and beyond.
Adebagbo urged employers and policymakers to take responsibility by incorporating relaxation therapy into workplace wellness programmes.
She further advocated for massage therapy to be included as a mandatory benefit under staff health insurance schemes.
“Employers should also provide designated relaxation areas where staff can take short breaks to unwind and recharge,” she added.
She recommended flexible work schedules and remote work options to ease the stress of commuting and promote work-life balance.
“Policymakers must support a culture that values health as much as productivity by integrating relaxation therapy into national healthcare strategies,” she concluded.
