JUNE 2026 WWW.SAHOMEOWNER.CO.ZA WWW.BUSINESSMEDIAMAGS.CO.ZA THE INTENTIONAL WORKPLACE How wellbeing, movement, rest and culture are reshaping workplace performance THE ACTIVE OFFICE | NUTRITION | DIGITAL DETOX | SLEEP AND RECOVERY | and more INSIDE:
Images: iStock.com, Portrait image: suppliedH E A LT H Y T I M E S l 2 EDITORIAL Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za Contributors: Karin Mitchelmore, Busani Moyo, Thando Pato, Lisa Witepski Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden Content Co-ordinator: Vanessa Payne DIGITAL Online Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za DESIGN Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Designer: Mfundo Archie Ndzo Project Designer: Anja Hagenbuch PUBLISHED BY Picasso Headline, a proud division of Arena Holdings Pty (Ltd), Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 www.businessmediamags.co.za Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is sound, it is expressly not designed to diagnose or treat a medical condition or health problem. The information does not constitute medical advice. It is also subject to personal interpretation and may become dated or obsolete. The publisher, editor, authors and their employees or agents, therefore, cannot accept responsibility for the information in this publication or for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained therein, whether arising from negligence or otherwise. They are therefore not liable for any direct or indirect effects of the information. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner regarding any medical or health issues. Copyright: No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. Healthy Times is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher. Cover Images: nesharm/123rf.com, baibakova/123rf.com, dragonstock/123rf.com, andreypopov/123rf.com, supplied SALES Project Manager: Arnold Cruywagen arnoldc@picasso.co.za +27 21 469 2508 +27 71 012 5286 Sales: Stephen Crawford, Richard White PRODUCTION Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner Subscriptions and Distribution: Fatima Dramat, fatimad@picasso.co.za Printer: CTP Printers, Cape Town MANAGEMENT Management Accountant: Deidre Musha Business Manager: Lodewyk van der Walt General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer contentscontents 03 MINDFULNESS Companies are investing in mental clarity and emotional resilience. 06 ACTIVE OFFICE Workplace culture is shifting as employers embed fitness into the workday through gyms, movement breaks, running clubs and active office design. 07 NUTRITION Subsidised company meals, nutrition education and smarter food environments. 08 HEALTHY WORKPLACES Ergonomic risks; and Systemic mental health interventions. 09 DIGITAL DETOX What can employers do to protect their staff from screen burnout? 10 WORKPLACE WELLBEING Mid-year fatigue is real, but support can help turn things around. 11 SLEEP AND RECOVERY Rest, recovery and sleep are critical productivity drivers.
CALM WORK REVOLUTION Images: andreypopov/123rf.com, supplied he South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that 52 per cent of South African employees have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. It adds that more than 40 per cent of work-related illnesses are linked to stress, burnout, depression or anxiety. That’s reason enough to address mental wellness in the workplace, says Dr Musaed Abrahams, strategy consultant and head of wellness at Momentum Multiply. He adds that one of the key steps the organisation has taken to tackle the issue is signing on as partner of the Mind Matters Summit, a gathering of experts like neuroscientists and transformational leaders who unpack why people think and behave the way they do. This information is put into practice by, for example, teaching delegates how to channel their energy to work with their natural aptitudes rather than against them. “Through such initiatives, we create space for meaningful conversations on mental health, resilience and wellbeing, exposing both our people and the wider ecosystem to leading thinking and practical tools beyond traditional programmes,” Dr Abrahams says. The organisation also has a number of internal programmes in place. Dr Abrahams explains that these are aligned to its broader wellness strategy, embedding wellbeing into how people work, lead and show up every day. He notes that, as a business focused on health ownership, the promotion of mindfulness and mental wellbeing initiatives are a natural extension of Momentum Multiply’s broader wellness philosophy. “We’ve seen an enormous difference in how people talk about their wellbeing and prioritise it. They’re more comfortable with acknowledging stress, asking for support and discussing mental health without stigma. This has led to stronger engagement, healthier teams and more resilient leadership.” t There is a strong body of evidence showing that mindfulness reduces cortisol levels, improves cognitive flexibility, enhances emotional regulation and sharpens focus. The workplace doesn’t seem an obvious place for meditation and mantras, but a growing number of companies are realising the benefits of incorporating practices that boost mindfulness, writes Lisa Witepski Hiten Keshave Follow: Dr Musaed Abrahams www.linkedin.com/in/musaedx Hiten Keshave www.linkedin.com/in/hitenkeshave UNSCENTED Available at selected stores: Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, Health Shops & Weleda Pharmacies For more information: (021) 701 5000 or sales@goodhealthsa.co.za Hiten Keshave, founder of Unconventional CA (UCA), is another believer in the power of mindfulness. He explains that the company decided to incorporate mindfulness techniques in the training it offers entrepreneurs as an antidote to the intense mental demands they make. “The pressure of decision-making, managing uncertainty, leading people and sustaining creativity over long periods can be overwhelming,” he points out, noting that mindfulness can help because it teaches people to develop “response flexibility”: the ability to pause before responding to a stimulus. “In business, that pause is everything. It’s the difference between making a panic-driven decision and a considered one.” Keshave observes that there is a strong body of evidence showing that mindfulness reduces cortisol levels, improves cognitive flexibility, enhances emotional regulation and sharpens focus. For entrepreneurs specifically, these benefits translate directly into better leadership, stronger team relationships, improved negotiation outcomes and greater resilience during inevitable setbacks. UCA’s approach includes an immersive retreat where participants take part in exercises like guided meditation, breathwork, reflective journalling, group discussion and periods of intentional silence. This is supported by ongoing programmes and workshops that bring the practice back into the daily business context with practical and applied teaching techniques, such as mindful decision-making and one-on-one coaching. The results are notable, Keshave says, ranging from sharper focus and better quality decision-making to reduced anxiety and burnout, as well as improved relationships. “Mindfulness reconnects entrepreneurs with their purpose, which is ultimately what sustains long-term success,” he concludes.M I N D F U L N E S S H E A LT H Y T I M E S l 3
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image: supplied IN SOUTH AFRICA In 2001, the brand was launched in South Africa with our head offi ce and distribution located in Cape Town. Health supplement importation and distribution in South Africa requires approval and licensing by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority), SAPC (South African Pharmacy Council) and NDOH (National Department of Health). Our quality management team and responsible pharmacist control our regulatory compliance and product quality. Imported products are monitored during transit to South Africa and for temperature and humidity deviations while in our storage facility, ensuring what you buy in South Africa is the very same quality product manufactured in our New Zealand facility. All products come with an attached Package Insert (called a PIL – the same as a pharmaceutical drug), outlining safety information, cautions and possible interactions. SERVICE In South Africa, we are a BEE compliant company offering high-level, professional service to our nationwide retailers and the public. Company representatives are qualifi ed naturopaths, homeopaths or phytotherapists who understand the formulations and their application to the modern lifestyle. Reps visit retailers and practitioners on training calls, where on many occasions they interact with retail customers, helping them understand more about their own health and product choices. And 25 years on, can be found nationally at health shops, pharmacies, Wellness Warehouse, selected Dis-Chem and Medirite+ stores and from Faithful to Nature and other quality online health platforms. SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We applaud South Africans who take the day-to-day maintenance of their health into their own hands by supplementing their diet with quality products – leaving visits to the GP only for those serious or repetitive illnesses. But in a world where so many companies take shortcuts, use inferior ingredients and make outrageous claims, it’s important to be able to identify authentic companies and trustworthy products. If you’re not happy with your purchase – for any reason – just contact us or your retailer and return it for a refund. This is how we stand behind our quality product range. Let become your supplement range of choice and we’ll walk the path to better health together! G O O D H E A L T H Trusted, Affordable International PREMIUM HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS – supporting the South African lifestyle WHO IS NEW ZEALAND? has been a clean-green New Zealand premium supplement brand since 1987 and is one of Australasia’s leading producers. Brand strengths are fourfold: • excellent high-strength formulations; • using superior ingredient forms; • pharma-grade manufacturing compliance to strict local and international standards; and • our South African company is licensed by SAHPRA (the regulator) to import & distribute health supplements and complementary medicines. Products are formulated by our naturopathic team who strongly believe in the benefits of herbs and nutraceuticals. Herbal medicine has been practised for thousands of years and today’s science enables us to prove much of “old wisdom” as factually relevant. All our hero ingredients are clinically researched, meaning product claims can be substantiated. offers exciting supplement delivery forms – such as sublingual dissolving tablets, tasty chewables, easy-mix powders and direct-to-mouth granular sachets and liquids – making regular supplement taking easier and more enjoyable. And our production facilities are GMP certified – the international recognition of quality manufacture with highly scrutinised raw ingredients. Our facilities are run along strictly pharmaceutical protocols by pharmacists and their quality assurance teams. As proof of product quality and success, the brand supplies growth export markets such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Africa, South Korea and Vietnam. Busy lifestyles mean we don’t have as much time to dedicate to self-care. When you’re not feeling at your best, or you’ve been pushing the limits, can be relied upon for help. Our premium supplements incorporate quality ingredients needed to help support our demanding lifestyles - whilst being safe and compliant with our regulatory requirements. Our quality management team and responsible pharmacist control our regulatory compliance and product quality. www.goodhealthsa.co.za www.instagram.com/goodhealthsa/ H E A LT H Y T I M E S l 5 G O O D H E A LT HIN PARTNERSHIP WITH
6 l H E A LT H Y T I M E S WORKING IT OUT Making fitness and health part of the employee workday growing number of South African employers are rethinking what a healthy workplace looks like by weaving movement, mental wellbeing and preventative health into the office and employees’ workday and lifestyles. “Employee wellbeing is a key element of our People Strategy, rooted in our core purpose, which is to make people healthier and enhance and protect their lives; not just for our customers, but for our employees as well,” says Steve Teasdale, chief people experience officer at Discovery. Discovery’s philosophy translates into tangible facilities: gyms offering spinning, pilates and yoga classes, a running track, basketball and soccer areas, and discounted access to the Vitality Fitness network and padel courts for those who prefer to exercise closer to home. Movement is also woven into the working day in subtler ways. Standing desks are provided where a need is identified, and while ergonomically approved chairs remain the standard, the office environment at 1 Discovery Place is designed to discourage stillness. “Many employees prefer to hold walking meetings on our designated running and walking track, or meet over coffee at one of our numerous on-site cafes,” Teasdale explains. a Teasdale says Discovery’s approach to employees’ wellbeing is considered rather than prescriptive, recognising that staying active during the working day looks different for everyone. At Momentum, the Momentum Sports Club sits at the heart of the employee exercise offering, giving staff access to a wide variety of sporting codes and a calendar of events designed to get people moving together. “Our employees can participate in the Momentum Sports Club, with a variety of sporting codes, an annual Sports Club challenge and participation in corporate events like the Metropolitan 10km race, which we host, and the JP Morgan night race,” says Helena Beck, employee experience specialist, Momentum Group. “This not only promotes physical health, but also provides a valuable opportunity for employees to connect with colleagues across the organisation, helping to build a strong sense of community.” MOVEMENT CONNECTED TO OVERALL EMPLOYEE WELLBEING Beck says that their office environment is also designed with movement in mind. The Momentum Group’s office interiors offer a range of spaces for connection, collaboration and informal breaks, with warm, relaxed seating areas that draw people away from their desks and encourage them to change settings throughout the day. “This also encourages a more dynamic environment, as our people move around more often and do not stay seated at a desk for the full day,” she notes. Underpinning the physical is a commitment to whole-person wellbeing. Discovery’s Wellness Screening programme is delivered through dedicated Wellness Days and sustained by its Healthy Company Employee Assistance Programme. “Healthy Company translates risk insight into action by providing proactive outreach, tailored coaching and access to physical support based on individual risk profiles rather than self-referral alone.” Guy Chennells, chief commercial officer at Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits, believes the momentum behind workplace wellness is only growing. “We incentivise and reward people who invest in their health through boosts to retirement savings, annual paybacks of group risk premiums and enhanced insurance payouts,” he says. The message across both organisations is consistent: a healthier workforce is not simply a moral good. It is a sound business strategy. Workplace culture has evolved to make part of the workday active by including on-site gyms, classes, running clubs and infrastructure that promotes movement. Thando Pato speaks to organisations taking up the mantle Helena Beck Follow: Helena Beck www.linkedin.com/in/helena-beck-5a9a54a7 Steve Teasdale www.linkedin.com/in/teasdalesteven Guy Chennells www.linkedin.com/in/guy-chennells Images: supplied Steven Teasdale A C T I V E O F F I C E Gym, 1 Discovery Place
Images: baibakova/123rf.com, supplied hile it may seem counterproductive for employees chasing deadlines to take time out for lunch, the opposite is true. Fuelled by nourishment and refreshed by a mental break, both productivity and performance soar once staffers step away from their desks for a proper meal. This has been the case at Nedbank, where a spokesperson reports: “When our people eat well, we have a healthier workforce, stronger communities and a better society overall.” This view is shared by Marieta Kruger, wellness manager at Medihelp. She explains that the scheme introduced a wellness app in August 2023 as part of its commitment to proactively support employees’ overall wellbeing in a structured, accessible way. “Recognising that employee health directly impacts engagement, productivity and resilience, the app enables us to take a holistic, preventative approach to wellbeing and address physical health as well as mental and emotional wellness,” Kruger comments. PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE So, what are these companies doing to address the question of nutrition? Nedbank’s spokesperson explains that the staff restaurant offers menus designed to be inclusive. The bank further focuses on education, running two wellbeing campaigns every year. Here, nutritionists and dietitians provide advice about healthy eating and supply tips for better gut health. At Medihelp, the FITT wellness app offers several options related to nutrition. First, there’s Nourish, where, after uploading images of their meals, employees can get professional advice on tweaking meals to target their personal needs. The app also offers healthy recipes. Moreover, a personal coach is available to help them meet their health-related goals. Finally, the company houses an on-site wellness cafe serving healthy, subsidised meals. The app has proved life-changing for many employees, with one saying: “Nourish helped me take control of my overall wellbeing by tracking my weight, sleep, Follow: Marieta Kruger www.linkedin.com/in/helena-beck-5a9a54a7 Steve Teasdale www.linkedin.com/in/teasdalesteven Guy Chennells www.linkedin.com/in/guy-chennells w The days of settling for a rice cake and coffee at the desk are over. Increasingly, organisations are supporting their employees’ quest for better nutrition, writes Lisa Witepski POWERED BY FOOD UNSCENTED Available at selected stores: Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, Health Shops & Weleda Pharmacies For more information: (021) 701 5000 or sales@goodhealthsa.co.za exercise, energy levels and nutrition goals. In just seven months, I lost 16kg without giving up the foods I love. The app promotes balanced eating and offers quick, easy recipes along with a smart recipe generator that creates meal ideas based on what’s in your fridge.” Meanwhile, at Discovery, chief people experience officer Steve Teasdale explains that the company has implemented several initiatives to encourage healthy eating habits. The most successful of these is offering subsidised meals at the in-house restaurant, with higher subsidies applied to healthy options, making them more accessible and affordable. The company also hosts webinars, delivered by Vitality dietitians and nutrition experts, with topics ranging from debunking common food myths to how to maintain a balanced eating plan alongside work commitments. Finally, Discovery’s internal communications frequently feature information on nutrition and healthy eating, such as meal ideas and relevant articles. “We continue to look for ways to improve employee health through the Vitality programme. Every employee is a Vitality member and has access to the full range of Vitality Healthy Eating programmes and incentives,” Teasdale says. GETTING STARTED Companies looking to address their staff’s nutrition have several options, says Guy Chennells, chief commercial officer at Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits. He suggests partnering with on- or near-site food providers to ensure healthy, affordable lunchtime options are available, and providing communication and workshops to disseminate basic, practical information. Guy Chennells Marieta Kruger N U T R I T I O N H E A LT H Y T I M E S l 7
8 l H E A LT H Y T I M E S BEYOND BAD POSTURE outh Africa’s office workers face an ergonomics crisis that most organisations fail to recognise. Sma Ngcamu-Tukulula, a certified ergonomics professional and MD of Smart Ergonomics, explains that the problem extends far beyond poor posture. “System-level mismatches between people, tasks, tools, working environments and organisational factors are the real culprits,” she says. The most common issues Ngcamu-Tukulula encounters include prolonged sitting, poorly adjusted workstations, inadequate chair support and incorrect monitor positioning. Remote and hybrid work arrangements have compounded these risks, as employees work from dining tables and couches using nonadjustable furniture. Yet many organisations dismiss office ergonomics as low-risk compared to industrial settings, failing to conduct comprehensive risk assessments. This oversight is costly: musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck, lower back, shoulders and wrists are far more prevalent in office workers than organisations realise. Workplace ergonomic assessments involve a structured evaluation of how people interact with their work system. Ngcamu-Tukulula says these assessments use task analysis, hazard identification and worker participation to identify physical, cognitive, psychosocial and organisational risks. Critically, she says: “Training workshops are important for awareness, but the most effective way to manage exposure is to minimise risks through better-designed workstations. Training alone has a limited long-term impact.” The single most important change, Ngcamu-Tukulula argues, requires a systems-based approach. Rather than isolated interventions, organisations should implement formal ergonomics programmes, integrating adjustable furniture procurement, proactive risk management, facilities management, fatigue management and medical screening. She stresses that “organisations achieve the greatest benefits when they design work to fit people, rather than expecting people to adapt to poorly designed work environments.” Ngcamu-Tukulula advises that this holistic approach, combining workstation design, worker participation and organisational commitment, delivers measurable reductions in musculoskeletal symptoms and productivity gains. s Office workers face hidden ergonomic risks most organisations ignore. By Busani Moyo Follow: Sma Ngcamu-Tukulula www.linkedin.com/in/sma-ngcamu-tukulula-54136910 Dr Kerstin Jatho www.linkedin.com/in/kerstinjatho Images: andreypopov/123rf.com, supplied H E A LT H Y W O R K P L A C E S outh Africa’s corporate wellness landscape is undergoing a critical transformation. Dr Kerstin Jatho, an organisational behavioural specialist at 4Seeds Consulting, explains that companies are shifting “from reactive, crisis-driven support to proactive, structured mental health investment”. She adds that this change is needed urgently. Dr Jatho points to Discovery Health Medical Scheme data showing that mental health conditions among members have increased 46 per cent over 13 years, with depression now accounting for 62 per cent of all cases. Dr Jatho emphasises the scale of the crisis: more than half of South African employees currently experience depression, anxiety, stress or burnout, yet up to 90 per cent receive no care. She cites figures showing the economic impact is devastating: R232-billion in lost productivity alone. Progressive organisations are responding with layered support combining employee assistance programmes, resilience training and meditation workshops. However, Dr Jatho identifies a significant barrier: 61 per cent of employees cite lack of trust in confidentiality as their primary obstacle to accessing support. Even where programmes exist, she notes, uptake is hampered by stigma and fear. The evidence supporting comprehensive interventions is compelling, according to Dr Jatho’s research and practice. She cites global data showing wellness programmes generate $3.27 in medical savings for every dollar invested, with participating companies reporting up to 56 per cent fewer sick days and 20 per cent higher productivity. Dr Jatho recommends three foundational steps. First, conducting genuine needs assessments disaggregated by gender, age and role; standardised programmes fail those carrying the heaviest burden. Second, she stresses investing in access and trust simultaneously through visible leadership endorsement and manager training. Third, she emphasises the need to address structural drivers: “Wellness workshops cannot undo the harm caused by poor management practices, job insecurity and unsustainable demands.” The honest reality, Dr Jatho concludes, is that mental health is not an individual employee problem; it is a systemic challenge demanding a systemic response. MENTAL WELLNESS Our mental health crisis demands systemic change. Dr Kerstin Jatho tells Busani Moyo why comprehensive, layered wellness programmes matter more than surface solutions. Dr. Kerst
Image: dragonstock/123rf.com echnology comes with many advantages, including the option of offering employees hybrid and remote work opportunities, it also causes digital burnout. For many employees, the boundary between work and rest is disappearing, driven in part by excessive screen time, virtual meetings, emails and instant communication apps like Teams, Slack and WhatsApp. Gone are the days of 9–5 and leaving work at the office; work is now in the palm of one’s hand, and employees are “on call” almost 24/7. The 2021 Work Trend Index Annual Report, outlines the increasing digital burnout threat, with Microsoft 365 reporting the following trends between February 2020 and February 2021: • Time spent in Microsoft Teams meetings doubled globally. • The average meeting was 10 minutes longer, increasing from 35 to 45 minutes. • The average Teams user spent 45 per cent more chats per week and 42 per cent more chats per person after hours, with chats per week still rising. • The number of emails delivered to commercial and education customers was up by 40.6 billion. • A 66 per cent increase in the number of people working on documents. t Digital burnout is a reality for many employees. Thando Pato finds out how employers can tackle this, and what digital detox tools are available UNPLUGGED How to protect employees from screen burnout UNSCENTED Available at selected stores: Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, Health Shops & Weleda Pharmacies For more information: (021) 701 5000 or sales@goodhealthsa.co.za Follow: Steve Teasdale www.linkedin.com/in/teasdalesteven Guy Chennells www.linkedin.com/in/guy-chennells DIGITAL DETOX AND EMPLOYEE WELLNESS Steve Teasdale, chief people experience officer at Discovery, explains that the company’s approach to combatting digital fatigue starts with awareness rather than rigid rules. “Discovery supports the prevention of burnout, including digital fatigue, through a strong emphasis on education and self-management rather than prescriptive digital rules. Employees and leaders have access to structured learning content, practical toolkits, wellness campaigns and webinars that focus on stress management, resilience, boundary setting and mental wellbeing.” This philosophy reflects a broader shift in how leading companies are thinking about digital overload. Rather than simply mandating screen-free hours, Discovery is equipping its people with the tools to self-regulate. Delivered through Discovery’s learning platforms and employee wellness toolkits, the approach reinforces prevention, shared responsibility and sustained performance, while allowing flexibility across diverse roles. “Burnout typically develops over time through sustained cognitive load, emotional strain and lack of recovery,” notes Teasdale. DETOX TOOLS Some of the recommendations shared with Discovery employees to help them cope with digital overload, says Teasdale, include leaving 5 to 10 minutes between calls to reset, protecting at least one block of time daily for focused work free from email and meeting interruptions, and reducing notification noise by batching email checks and turning off nonessential alerts. “Simple physical resets, such as short walks, stretching or deep breathing between tasks, can also help bring the nervous system out of constant alert mode,” he says. Changing your phone settings to monitor your screen time and limit it on apps after hours, and, where possible, putting it on Do Not Disturb, so you don’t get notifications, especially during your lunch hour or downtime, can also assist. Apps like Freedom, RescueTime and Opal can be downloaded to run in the background of your phone and laptop to block distracting apps during set times. “Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits provides a range of tools and services to assist with workplace mental wellbeing, including burnout, through the Healthy Company Employee Assistance Plan. The plan offers workshops that are very powerful for getting a base level of awareness and understanding across an employee base. These get extremely high reviews for their impact,” says Guy Chennells, chief commercial officer at Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits. Digital detox is not a luxury or a passing trend, and the business case for structured digital recovery time has never been clearer. D I G I T A L D E T O X H E A LT H Y T I M E S l 9
W O R K P L A C E W E L L B E I N Ge are halfway through the year and, for many, the early-year energy has given way to fatigue. The end of the year feels far away, and it is taking a toll on employees and employers alike. For employers, this toll has a hard cost: Depression and anxiety, according to the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization, result in the loss of an estimated 12 billion working days annually, costing the global economy nearly $1-trillion in lost productivity each year. The cost of mental health-related presenteeism in South Africa, according to the Sanlam Benchmark Survey 2024: Accelerating a better working South Africa, is estimated at R96 500 per employee annually, totalling roughly R235-billion a year – almost seven times the cost of absenteeism. However, employers can do a lot to support their people. For example: employee assistance programmes are a practical and cost-effective tool companies can use to address burnout throughout the year, but they work best when they are not just a tick-box initiative. If you want real impact, wellbeing cannot only be talked about during corporate wellness week. It needs to be part of your culture all year round, with protective policies, accessible support systems and leaders who model healthy behaviours. WHAT BURNOUT LOOKS LIKE To start with, everyone should know what burnout looks like. The signs often creep in slowly: fatigue, lack of motivation, constant feelings of stress, brain fog, irritability, working longer hours and getting less done. It is triggered by a combination of factors: juggling work, home, family and personal needs; financial pressures; deadlines and workload; and the mental load w of reflecting on the year so far and realising there is still a long road ahead. Here are some suggestions for those who are feeling the pressure. 1. Realign what really matters: burnout often happens when we are pulled in too many directions and lose sight of our “why”. Reflecting on your goals – and what gives your work and personal life meaning – can help you prioritise what really deserves your energy. 2. Rest and boundaries are not luxuries: they are essential for long-term performance. You do not have to solve everything overnight. Claiming small wins each day can help you rebuild your momentum. 3. Do not suffer in silence: while burnout can feel deeply personal, it is important to recognise that you are not alone – one in three South African employees are struggling alongside you. Burnout is also not a personal failing or weakness, and you do not have to feel guilty about asking for help. Talk honestly to your manager or HR contact about where you are at. The more these conversations are normalised, the more the stigma is removed. Corporate wellness week is a timely reminder to start reflecting, resetting and taking action. Whether you are an employer wanting to better support your team or an employee wanting to take better care of yourself, this is a good time to pause and figure out what you need to get through the year in a healthier, more sustainable way. Follow: Karin Mitchelmore www.linkedin.com/in/karin-mitchelmore-9baa364a THE SANLAM BENCHMARK 2024 SURVEY READ Images: peopleimages12/123rf.com, supplied THE QUIET COST OF BURNOUTMid-year fatigue is real, but support from employers and proactive steps from employees can help turn things around. By Karin Mitchelmore, executive head of healthcare consulting at financial advisory firm NMG Benefits 10 l H E A LT H Y T I M E S
WAKE-UP CALL n South Africa’s demanding corporate world of long hours, shift work and high pressures, poor sleep erodes health and productivity, say experts Dr Luke Krige, lead doctor at the SA Sleep Lab, and Dr Alison Bentley, leader at the Sleep Health Centre in Johannesburg. Dr Krige cites research from the Public Servants Association indicating that “almost half of the South African workforce is suffering from chronic sleep deprivation”. He links this to lower productivity and workplace performance, more mistakes and safety incidents, higher rates of burnout and absenteeism, increased healthcare claims and sick leave, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Dr Bentley says: “You need enough good quality sleep to restore body function for the next day.” She warns: “Inadequate sleep for any reason does have long-term consequences, and all sleep problems increase the risk of other medical disorders.” Symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, fatigue, attention deficit, reduced focus and concentration lead to lower productivity and more sick leave, including doctor visits, costing employers through absenteeism. Sleep disorders heighten accident risks at work, home and during transport, as “a decrease in attention means people with sleep disorders are more likely to have accidents”, particularly “daytime sleepiness due to inadequate or undiagnosed sleep disorders costs real money in terms of accidents, particularly in driving occupations”. i BUILDING SLEEP-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS AND STRATEGIES Both experts promote wellness campaigns with rest zones and flexible schedules. Dr Krige advises: “Promoting flexibility as to shifts, rest days and remote work can go a long way to ensuring employees are getting the rest they need.” He adds that “creating outdoor break areas with natural light also helps employees’ bodies stay in sync with normal daylight sleep rhythms”, and recommends “including a sleep and exercise review as part of work performance reviews”, plus “a sleep assessment and screening in annual occupational health programmes” for early detection. Dr Bentley observes that employers and unions often overlook sleep needs when planning shift schedules, with social and time-off considerations taking precedence, resulting in overly early or late shifts. She recommends: “Include sleep screening in wellness days so you know how big the problem is and educate employees around sleep – lectures and info on relevant podcasts. If you, as management, talk about it, then employees know that you mean it.” MEASURABLE BENEFITS AND EXPERT ADVICE Dr Krige says: “An improvement in employee sleep has direct correlations to increased productivity, reduced operational errors and improved cognitive function, all leading to better performance of employee functions, plus reduction in accidents, lower burnout rates and reduced cardiovascular risk.” Benefits include “lower absenteeism, lower staff turnover rates and increased staff engagement”. Dr Bentley suggests measurable improvements include fewer sick days and reduced absenteeism, noting that well-rested employees allow organisations to achieve better performance outcomes. She adds: “To be very clear, a focus on good sleep means that employees are well rested and you get the most out of them when that happens.” “Make sleep a priority in staff performance reviews, and remember you can’t manage what you can’t measure. Ideally, equip staff with smartwatches that track sleep patterns,” advises Dr Krige. Nearly half of South African workers face chronic sleep deprivation, harming productivity and health. Wellness campaigns with rest zones and flexible schedules enhance performance and reduce stress. By Busani Moyo Dr Alison Bentley Follow: Dr Alison Bentley www.airohealthcare.com/drbentley Dr Luke Krige www.linkedin.com/in/luke-krige-a20395199 Images: nesharm/123rf.com, supplied Dr Luke Krige S L E E P A N D R E C O V E R Y Did you know? Almost 50 per cent of South African workers endure chronic sleep deprivation, sparking lower productivity, rampant errors and accidents, soaring burnout and absenteeism, plus elevated risks of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Targeted sleep wellness reverses this, turbocharging health, performance and corporate success. Source: Public Servants Association H E A LT H Y T I M E S l 11