5 minute read
The broader importance of employee wellness
In today’s high-pressure, fast-paced business world, employee wellness has evolved from a mere perk to a strategic necessity. It is no longer enough to simply offer benefits or tick boxes on an annual report. Companies must recognise that people are the true drivers of success and that their wellbeing is integral to both productivity and sustainable growth.
In a dynamic panel discussion hosted by the Business Breakfast Club, three leading experts came together to explore the critical role of employee wellness in today’s rapidly changing work environments. Birgit Hoffman (chief executive officer of Emoneko, executive coach and organisational psychologist), Michelle McCulloch (clinical psychologist) and Sara Kapiye (chief human capital officer at the Development Bank of Namibia) shared valuable insights on best practices for fostering workplace wellness. They also addressed common challenges, while discussing the future of wellness initiatives.
Beyond a buzzword
The conversation began with a strong reminder: employees are human beings first, workers second. Michelle emphasised that personal challenges and emotional struggles inevitably affect performance. “When employees come to work, they are human beings first,” she said. Birgit added that organisations need to recognise that people – not systems or buildings –are the true drivers of business success. “People are the ones driving results,” she explained. Sara further emphasised that employee wellness is critical to organisational success, noting that in Namibia, there is a growing recognition of the link between employee wellbeing and productivity. “Organisations must understand that when employees are healthier, they are more engaged, more productive and ultimately contribute to the bottom line,” she said.
The gap between wellness rhetoric and reality
While many organisations publicly claim to prioritise wellness, the reality often falls short. Michelle noted that despite companies’ public statements about employee wellbeing, many wellness programmes are “more about optics than real support”. However, Birgit expressed optimism, pointing to the positive shifts she has seen in Namibia. Companies are realising that investing in employee wellness is not just about reducing turnover, but about nurturing leadership for future success. As she put it, “Companies that care for their employees are setting themselves up for long-term growth.”
Sara echoed Birgit’s sentiment, highlighting that many Namibian organisations are making strides in improving their wellness programmes. “The pandemic forced companies to confront the reality that wellness needs to be embedded in the organisational culture, not just as a series of shortterm initiatives,” Sara said. She also added that integrating wellness into leadership development is a key step towards sustainable success.
The role of leadership in employee wellness
Leaders are at the heart of creating a wellness-focused culture. Birgit emphasised that wellness is not just about offering benefits or programmes – it is about setting a tone where wellbeing is valued at every level. “Leaders must actively create an environment where wellness is a priority,” she said.
Sara emphasised that leadership development plays a key role in shaping the wellness culture. She highlighted that leaders must lead by example, prioritising their own wellness and modelling positive behaviour for their teams. “Leaders must be champions of wellness, not just in words but through action,” she said.
The individual’s role in wellness
A central theme that emerged from the discussion was the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining wellness. “Mental health requires effort,” Michelle pointed out. “It’s not just about getting tools from therapy; you have to apply them.” Birgit stressed that while organisations are responsible for creating a supportive environment, individuals must take ownership of their wellbeing. “Wellness isn’t just a programme you follow – it’s a lifelong skill,” she said.
Global trends in employee wellness
Birgit pointed out that technology is playing a growing role in shaping the future of wellness. Wearable devices and self-coaching apps are making it easier for employees to track their own wellbeing and take proactive steps towards better health. “We’re moving away from a onesize-fits-all approach,” she said. “Wellness needs to be tailored to each individual.”
Sara agreed with the importance of personalisation, noting that wellness is becoming more accessible through digital platforms. “The rise of technology is helping bridge gaps, especially in remote or underserved areas, by offering wellness resources at employees’ fingertips,” she said.
The discussion highlighted that by fostering a culture of care, promoting self-leadership and integrating wellness into everyday work life, both employees and employers can thrive together.
About the Business Breakfast Club Namibia
The Business Breakfast Club Namibia, hosted at the exclusive Stellenbosch Restaurant and Wine Bar, is a membership-based series designed for professionals and business leaders to expand their networks and gain valuable industry insights. Each event features expert-led discussions, offering members the chance to connect with some of Namibia’s most innovative business minds. Whether you are an entrepreneur or executive, this is a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and grow your professional network.
The Namibia Trade Network and the Namibia Trade Network's Business Breakfast Club are initiatives of Venture Media, a 100% Namibian publishing house with over 30 years of experience in tourism, conservation and industry promotion. Specialising in social media management and video production, Venture Media is a leader in providing credible, up-to-date information. Learn more at www.bbcnam.com
