The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria has urged employers to leverage on emotional intelligence, prioritise wellness and mental health check-ins with their employees.

PenOp said it was important to address emotions and impact of stress in the workplace.

The association said in a statement that the ever-changing and constantly evolving work environment placed various levels of stress on individuals and organisations.

Recognising this fact, PenOp stated that it put together a seminar to address some of the issues tagged, “What’s emotions got to do with the workplace?’’

The statement said, “The online session, which was open to pension professionals, sought to answer questions such as can I learn how to be emotionally intelligent?

“How can I master and understand my emotions? Can I understand the emotions of my colleague?”

The session, which had more than 300 pension professionals of various levels, was facilitated by the People and Training Lead at PenOp, Yinka Akande.

Akande said, “Emotional quotient not only allows you build good and long-lasting relationships, it also improves organisational growth.

“Organisational heads should leverage on emotional intelligence, prioritise wellness and mental health check-ins with their staff.”

According to the statement, Akande is a seasoned facilitator adept at helping individuals and businesses upskill as well as access a competent workforce through professional soft skill training and development programmes.

Speaking on how to manage emotions as individuals, she said, “For one to be motivated, the individual needs to be ready to challenge him or herself.”

She spoke on the critical components of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

She identified the various opportunities that came along with applying the values of emotional quotient for businesses.

The statement said she spoke about the various ways social skills could be improved as well as the steps to building empathy as an individual.

Leave a Reply