Fostering workplace wellbeing

Johannesburg - On August 28, Steelcase, an expert in office environments, will host a seminar in Sandton entitled 10 000 Steps to Wellbeing to discuss new ways of thinking among business leaders in South Africa.

It will explore how creating workplace environments that foster wellness and nurture the physical, psychological and cognitive needs of workers have hidden bottom-line value, and are a crucial factor unlocking the creativity and innovation at the heart of winning organisations.

It will be held at Alexander Forbes’ new Sandton headquarters, regarded as a pioneering example of workspace office design in South Africa.

"The building’s most important attribute is as a people-centered, high-energy space that encourages well-being in the form of creativity, innovation, opportunity and engagement - for ourselves and for our clients," said Edward Kieswetter, group CEO of Alexander Forbes.

"More simply, it allows people to feel seen, heard, respected and acknowledged. A place where we can be the best we can be. All workplaces should nurture in the same way."

Visitors and employees alike have expressed how much they enjoy the diversity of workspace options.

"This has truly become a place where people want to come to work," he said.

Pierre Michiels, regional sales director for Steelcase in sub-Saharan Africa, says they are seeing a number of new buildings and renovations that are following international trends towards a holistic workplace design, but there is still enormous potential in South Africa for businesses to improve their physical environments.

"By making some simple changes that allow workers greater flexibility in how they work, organisations can greatly enhance the experience and wellbeing of its employees," he said.

Veteran broadcaster Peter Ndoro will host a panel of local and international business leaders and wellbeing specialists on new ways of thinking among business leaders in South Africa.

"Steelcase has done some exciting research and come up with an holistic view on what constitutes a healthy work ecosystem, from ergonomics to the emotional needs of different personality types," said Ndoro.

"It’s going to be an interesting evening in which we explore how international workplace trends can be applied in a South African context to create dynamic, creative and positive work places."