Modern workplaces should not only focus on performance and productivity but also prioritise the well-being and overall experiences of employees.
This was stressed by Vice President Lucia Witbooi at the Employee Wellness Indaba held in the capital.
The Wellness Indaba, held under the theme "Wellbeing by Design: Building the Future Workplace," brought together stakeholders to discuss the importance of employee well-being, mental health, and supportive working environments.
"Workplaces are no longer focused only on productivity and performance but also on the well-being, mental health and overall experience of employees. Organisations are now expected to create working environments where people feel supported, valued, safe and motivated to contribute effectively. This change requires organisations to think differently about leadership, workplace culture and their responsibility towards their employees. Employee wellness should not be treated as something extra or optional. It must become an important part of how organisations lead, make decisions, develop policies and support their employees every day."
The vice president further says organisations should take employee wellness seriously by building supportive workplaces, as healthy and motivated employees contribute to improved productivity, stronger institutions and national development.
"A healthy workforce is essential for economic growth and institutional effectiveness. No country can achieve sustainable development if its workforce is overwhelmed by chronic stress, emotional exhaustion and untreated mental health challenges."
Acting Director of Developmental Social Welfare Service, Helen Mouton, speaking on behalf of the line minister, states that Namibia is facing serious mental health challenges with a high number of recorded cases and a worrying rise in suicide deaths.
"Namibia continues to face significant mental health challenges, with more than 100,000 recorded mental illness cases and over 540 people who died of suicide. Remember, we are a very small nation during the financial years 2024 and 2025."
The indaba emphasised the need for supportive workplaces that promote employee wellbeing while also contributing to better service delivery and the nation's overall development.