Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky has asked ministry staff to prioritize rest and to establish a healthier balance between work duties and personal life. The request comes as a response to a troubling pattern: three diplomats, aged between 46 and 55, have died in the past five months. The minister’s message underscores a shared commitment to sustainable service even in demanding times.
Lipavsky emphasized that every organization has its own values and goals, and it is important to draw clear, healthy boundaries that protect the well-being of staff. The aim is not simply to push through fatigue but to sustain effective, long-term service that benefits both individuals and the country they serve.
The Czech Foreign Ministry leader noted that the late diplomats operated under exceptionally challenging conditions and succumbed to natural causes. He highlighted the realities of the job: staff face pressure, work under stringent security regimes, and contend with varying climates across deployment regions. These factors collectively shape the daily rhythms and the overall health of the workforce.
In Lipavsky’s view, the service remains essential but must be carried out with care for those who carry the responsibility. Colleagues are often stationed in war zones or high-security environments, with limited mobility and frequent adjustments to travel and duty schedules. The ministry aims to recognize these realities while promoting safety, resilience, and balanced workload management.
The broader context includes a sober reminder of the human cost of diplomatic work. Recently, more than 20 people connected to government ministries, including the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Afghan Ministry of Culture, were killed in the attack in Kabul. Such events underscore why mental health support, reasonable hours, and robust security protocols are critical to sustaining a capable diplomatic corps in volatile regions.