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30 July 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Barend Nagel
HR Kovsie Care
The great poet Virgil once said: “The greatest wealth is health.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently listed burnout as an occupational phenomenon in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Although not classified as a medical condition, its imprint on employees’ health status is absolute. 

The hallmark of any conducive workplace is its ability to assist employees to successfully manage stress. The Occupational Development and Employee Wellness Division at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Human Resources (HR) continues to make concerted efforts to ensure the good mental and physical health of all staff members.

Solving an occupational dilemma

Burnout is characterised by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. Over the past few years HR has launched various preventive programmes for support and academic staff as well as service workers.

One of these initiatives is the Power Hour sessions which are hosted at lunchtime across all campuses. These interactive platforms cover topics ranging from pain, emotional intelligence, bullying, healthy eating habits, resilience and anxiety. 

Fitness as a stress reliever

Over the years what were known as Takkie Tuesdays and Thursdays have evolved into “Take a Break & Feel the difference”. Staff members take 30-minute walks during lunchtime to boost productivity, confidence, energy levels, concentration and creativity while reducing stress symptoms and preventing lifestyle illnesses.

“Our mission is to cultivate a culture of health and wellness. We believe that when the culture is conducive it affects staff performance. The main purpose is to create an environment where people are mentally and physically well,” said Burneline Kaars, head of the wellness division.

Caring is sharing knowledge

True to its tagline “Care”, which stands for: Create, Attract, Retain, Excellence, the division works around the clock to care for staff members’ mental wellbeing. This includes referring those who need curative measures for free counselling provided by Careways.

Another way through which the division inspires employees to enrich their minds, bodies and souls is the Workout@Work programme that offers cardio exercises after office hours and the Pedometer Challenge which tracks physical movement throughout the day.

“It all boils down to being more active. It gets people to leave the office, enjoy the sun, and become more creative and energised,” says Arina Engelbrecht, Employee Wellness Specialist. 



News Archive

Kovsie men’s football team top of the league
2011-03-13

The Kovsie men’s football team in action.

Things are looking very positive for the Kovsies men’s football team at the University of the Free State (UFS) this year as they are ranking first in the SAB regional league.

From the 23 matches – out of 30 matches – the team has won 16 matches, drawn 5 and lost 2 matches in the league. The Kovsies team beat the Central University of Technology team (2-1 on home turf and 1-0 with the away game). They also beat the Thaba Nchu All Stars with 4-1 the past weekend on home ground.
 
“This coming weekend we will play against the league contenders, MUPS United from Ladybrand, currently second in the league. The match will take place at the Arthur Pitso Stadium on Sunday,” said sport manager at Kovsie Sport, Nomsa Mahlangu.
 
The Kovsie team will later in this league also compete against the Leeds United and the Junior Mates from Dewetsdorp.
 
“We are hoping to not drop any points in order to gain advancement to the Vodacom provincial league. If we win this league we will be promoted to the provincial league, which is only two steps away from the professional league. It is our dream to play professional league football,” said Nomsa.

 

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