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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

It's a Black-White Thing
2014-06-03

Seasoned American journalist, Donna Bryson, will launch her book at the Bloemfontein Campus. It's a Black-White Thing offers a story of hope for our country thirsty for good news. 
 
During 2008, Bryson – who was also in SA reporting on our first all-race elections – visited the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. The reason: to investigate the raging furore around the now-infamous Reitz event. Speaking to students, staff and two former rectors, she realised that the campus was indeed a microcosmic reflection of our country at large.
 
Now returning to where it all started, Bryson’s book shows that real change is finally taking place. Her stories tell of inspiring individual transformations under the leadership of Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
It's a Black-White Thing offers a story of hope for our country longing for good news.
 
Come join Donna Bryson and Prof Jansen when they will discuss the book during a public event. The launch of her book is hosted by the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice, in cooperation with the Department of Communication and Brand Management. The discussion forms part of the university's 20 years of democracy celebration series.
 
It’s a Black-White Thing is Bryson’s first book and was shortlisted for the City Press Tafelberg Nonfiction Award.
 
Date: Thursday 5 June 2014
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Venue: Flippie Groenewoud Building (FGG), Block B, Room 202, Bloemfontein Campus

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