Developing the national employee wellness code of practice
Policies to improve working conditions in Namibia
To formulate the national employee wellness code of practice, the ministry of labour, industrial relations and employment creation - assisted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) -facilitated a three-day workshop.The workshop aims to provide guidance for employers and employees on the development, implementation and management of employee-wellness programmes in the world of work, and will conclude today, 20 October, in Windhoek.
Executive director Lydia Indombo said the ministry and the ILO aim to foster a healthy and safe working environment for all employees in Namibia.
The ministry initiated the development of the national employee wellness code of practice to assist the Namibian workforce in improving and maintaining physical well-being and mental ability at work and in society as well as maintaining general good health and an acceptable lifestyle, among other things, she said.
Highest degree of health
Minister Utoni Nujoma believes a healthy working environment minimises the risk of occupational accidents, diseases and disasters in the working environment.
He said once developed, the framework is expected to provide for health promotion through dimensions of employee wellness; provide guidelines for managing communicable and non-communicable diseases including HIV and TB; and provide guidelines to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.
Nujoma added that all these areas intend to promote the highest degree of workers' health where both physical and psychosocial risks are prevented and eliminated.
Pursuit of workplace wellness
Speaking at the workshop, ILO technical specialist on health and wellness Simphiwe Mabhele said the pursuit of workplace wellness is not a choice but an obligation, and an investment that pays dividends in the form of a healthier, happier and more productive workforce.
“Individuals have the right to a safe and healthy work environment, free from harm and hazards,” Mabhele said.
Topics presented and discussed at the workshop include an overview of HIV/AIDS and TB in Namibia; the public sector response to workplace wellness and disease management; the private sector response to workplace wellness and disease management; mental health; international labour standards (ILS) and promotional tools on wellness in the workplace; ILS on occupational safety and health, and violence and harassment in the world of work.
Attending the first session of the workshop were representatives from about eight government institutions, representatives from four unions, two representatives from independent organisations and five stakeholders representing employees.