06 Oct 2024

Organisations have been called to recognise the importance of employee well-being as a key driver of success.

Speaking in a panel discussion during a build up to World Mental Health Day on Thursday, Women Global Health Botswana called for the establishment of a robust occupational health section at all workplaces with the notion that a ‘healthy employee equals an increased productivity’.

Public Health Physician, Dr Gomolemo Smith said having a dedicated unit focused on promoting and maintaining especially the mental health of employees in the workplace was important.

Dr Smith explained that the primary goal of an occupational health section was to ensure the wellbeing of employees, thereby creating a supportive environment.

She said there were programmes that focused on wellness that included mental health support and stress management initiatives, that contributed to higher job satisfaction, reduced burnout and improved morale.

Dr Smith highlighted that many at the workplace faced challenges associated with work such as lack of progression, and lack of opportunity for growth, adding that such issues consequently affected employees’ overall efficiency and output.

She called for supervisors to create a supportive culture, adding that having a dedicated occupational health functioning played a crucial role in identifying, assessing and mitigating workplace hazards.

“There are some employees who have been stationed in one place for longer period, no transfer, some are transferred to places they will not survive,” she said, adding that due to environmental effects, employees would then fail to be more productive.

She said prioritising occupational health, organisations and departments could reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, explaining those as “a situation where an employee is present but not fully engaged in work.”

Dr Smith said if the leadership could focus on health, it would result in a more energised workforce, ultimately translating into an improved performance and higher quality work.

She said when employees see that their wellbeing was taken into consideration, this created an atmosphere of trust and engagement leading to open communication and a more cohesive workforce as employees would feel supported and valued.

Sharing the same sentiments, Labour Activist Occupational Health and Safety expert, Ms Monica Legwale said having a dedicated occupational health was a strategic investment.

Ms Legwale said in an era where employee expectations were shifting towards greater wellbeing support, organisations should embrace occupational health as doing so would set them apart as good leaders.

She called for a positive reinforcement by leaders, and urged that employees be appreciated and acknowledged in order to foster strong mental strength.

The panel discussion held under the theme: It’s time to PrioritiSe Health in the Workplace, was organised by Women in Global Health Botswana, a movement created to amplify women’s voices in health leadership and address inequalities in health. ENDS