13 Jul 2017

Botswana National Productivity Centre regional manager, Mr Tshenolo Mapitse has commended the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security for their commitment to their employees’ wellness saying it takes visionary leadership to go to that extent. 

Speaking during the Central District’s wellness day on Tuesday, he urged employees to also commit to wellness not just in the working place but in all their lives. 

He noted that wellness is about individual’s lifestyle and therefore one has to introspect and look at how she/he had been dealing with issues of wellness, safety and health and ultimately how one relates to productivity. 

Mr Mapitse further said in relation to the theme “My health my wealth,” individuals play an important role on making sure occupational health and safety in the workplace was observed all the time. 

Mr Mapitse urged them to take reasonable care not to put other people’s lives in danger, follow their employer’s health and safety policies, report injuries, strains or illnesses they may suffer as a result of their job and others. 

He emphasised that wellness brings productivity in the workplace, adding that organisations with unhealthy or unwell employees will experience high absenteeism. 

“I urge you to increase in physical activity at the workplace, reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol, reduce stress, manage weight, improve nutrition by eating healthy food and prevent injuries to promote and live a healthy lifestyle,” he added. 

In addition, he said ‘a healthy lifestyle can increase productivity in return in the workplace.’ 

Furthermore, Mr Mapitse noted that for a healthy and productive nation, wellness should be embraced, having zero HIV transmissions as well as having safe working environments. 

One of the employees, Ms Kutlo Kgosiemang said she appreciated the efforts made by their ministry as it helped them to refresh and socialise with  colleagues. 

She said the workplace could be exhausting and frustrating sometimes therefore engaging in such activities boosted their confidence and morale as it took the stress away. ENDs