Wellbeing critical for workplace performance

Developing balance and mindfulness of the connections between mind and body was hot on the agenda at a CBET wellness day, organised to promote full body health and wellness of its employees on Friday. Held at the FNB Park, Broadhurst under the theme, “My Health & Wellbeing: Key to Performance’, the day included simple yoga exercises that anyone can do, breathing techniques, health talks by Embrace Emotions Support Network (EESN), a dietician, as well as various health tests including HIV. Botswana Guardian and Midweek Sun News Editor, Tlotlo Mbazo said of the event; “It is a great day to take time out from hectic work schedules and reflect on our wellbeing, have a little fun, regroup and refocus to better performance going forward”. On her first yoga experience, Mbazo, a staunch Christian admitted that while she had always been wiry of the practice because of its association with middle Eastern religions like Hindu, she was surprisingly fascinated by the breathing and stretching exercises that go a long way in improving concentration levels. The company last held a similar event in 2012. CBET General Manager, Eugene Mukomeza emphasised the importance of employee wellness for effective work performance. “In order for employees to perform optimally, they need to have complete wellness,” said Mukomeza as he encouraged employees to take advantage of it and take part in activities available. Yoga Experience A representative from Art of Living, Pauline Sebina started off sharing timeless wisdom from the world ancient yoga and the different types which her organisation has combined for maximum benefit. Yoga, she said was not about one’s ability to be flexible but rather about unity and being present in a moment. “A physical yoga practice is more about developing tools to calm the mind and work on the breath, it is a much more rounded discipline than simply being flexible. “More flexibility, strength and better health are lovely side-effects of yoga, but really are not the end goals,” said Sebina as she began her exercise routine with the CBET staff. “When a person is not caught up in their thoughts, they are more able to be focused and productive. They are also less emotionally reactive and more proactive, productive and efficient, “ she explained. A healthy mind Poor mental health is associated with both higher absence and presenteeism rates, with job conditions and societal pressures being contributing factors, according to Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Institute of Health Sciences in Lobatse and Co-Founder of Embrace Emotions Support Network (EESN), David Mangwegape. Mangwegape explained that not all mental health conditions are easily detected and many employees may not even recognize their own conditions. Worse, given the stigma associated with mental illness, some employees may be reluctant to seek treatment or even take steps to conceal their difficulties. As such, he advised CBET management to be sensitive and supportive to changes employees go through. He however also urged the staff to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing by being organised to avoid unnecessary pressures, being passionate about their work, practicing mindful meditation and sharing their problems. “We all have a role to play in mental health, “ he stressed. Importance of food to overall health Keitumetse Makuku, a dietician from Bonatla Wellness Solutions at AO Clinic debunked a popular belief that dieticians are just about helping people lose weight, instead she explained that they are really about using a scientific and food-based approach to evaluate an individual’s eating habits and to create a personalized dietary plan. “As dieticians, we guide our clients toward eating fresh, natural foods, and offer accompanying education to further promote healthy eating,“ she stated. She advised staff to eat healthy, include vegetables and fruits into their diets, drink lots of water, exercise regularly to ward off non-communicable diseases.