Employees’ health and wellness in the workplace is critical to productivity, and survival of any business or entity, this according to experts.
In a recent health and wellness business forum held in Francistown, different speakers advocated for effective health and wellness initiatives in the workplace.
The City of Francistown Mayor, Godisang Radisigo, said an effective employees’ wellness program, takes care of a workplace’s total wellbeing. “There’s a clear connection that exists between supporting employee’s health and how your business performs,” said Radisigo.
The Mayor further said health and wellness are critical to the government’s ambition of growing the economy. “A healthy workforce is key to the maximisation of profit, so healthy and mentally fit employees benefits both the employer and the nation,” he said.
The Mayor’s sentiments were reiterated by Business Botswana Regional Manager-North, Eileen Van der Est, who encouraged the private sector to lead the way in creating healthy, supportive environments that allow employees to be productive and successful.
Van der Est said employers should promote comprehensive workplace health and wellness initiatives that addresses both the physical and mental health of employees. “This means creating an environment where employees feel empowered and motivated to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles,” she said.
In his remarks, co-founder and Managing Director of Riverside Hospital Dr Kgosidialwa Mompati said human capital development and healthcare should be a priority for any business.
Dr Mompati however warned that some challenges faced by employees can be self inflicted, and could contribute to their low morale in the workplace.
He said financial problems for instance has become a major challenge in the society. “We live beyond our means and we end up with an unhealthy nation because social stress,” he said.
“Love relations are also a source of mental health problems,” said Dr Mompati.
The well renowned Francistown’s Medical doctor encouraged people to engage in activities that are both physically and financially rewarding. “Going to the cattlepost or tending to crops can be good for you physically and also financially,” he said.