The North-West University’s (NWU’s) People and Culture division recently hosted a "People and Culture and Employee Wellness Roadshow" on the university’s three campuses.

NWU employees were assisted with and received information on People and Culture matters such as conditions of employment, performance management, learning and development, employment equity and many more.

Staff members were also treated to health screenings, massages, nail care, biokinetic assessments, medical aid advice, and received information about various topics such as bone marrow donation.

The roadshow is a way for People and Culture to connect with colleagues says Prof Mala Singh, People and Culture executive director.

“We want to introduce NWU employees to the services provided by People and Culture, as well as to listen to their concerns and suggestions on how we can improve our services.”

Mzo Biyela, human resources manager at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, echoes Prof Singh’s sentiments and says one of the important aspects of these roadshows is that it allows People and Culture to identify the burning issues concerning employees on a day-to-day basis.

“It is also about the visibility of People and Culture on each campus, highlighting our commitment to our employees as they are our best asset,” he adds.

Director for client services Lolo Boyana adds that the initiative was well received by colleagues and that the turn-out was good. “Hosting such face-to-face initiatives also helps us to really connect with employees, especially those who do not have access to computers.”

Bonita Maboeta, senior wellness specialist, says if employees want to maintain good health, they should have their blood pressure, weight, sugar levels and cholesterol checked regularly.

“Knowing the existence of a condition is the first step toward regaining control and managing one's health.” She adds that events such as this roadshow demonstrates the university’s ethic of care toward its employees and shows them that their wellbeing is important.

There was a positive response from employees on all three campuses, and the initiative received widespread support.

Mmueledi Menong from Information Technology at the Mahikeng Campus says this is a great initiative. “It allows us to better understand the services provided by People and Culture. In the past, I thought they dealt only with staff appointments and exits, but know I’ve learned that they do a lot more.”

Michelle Bownes:  snr specialist:  employee relations & strategic communication says this was really a great initiative from P&C management as they had the opportunity to engage with the colleagues face to face, it was such a nice and relaxed atmosphere and the vibe was wonderful, which made it easier for staff to come and speak to about burning issues. 

“We met a lot of people that we usually correspond with over emails and it was so nice to see the ‘face behind the email address’ and to get to know everyone.”

Audrie Francis, switchboard operator on the Potchefstroom Campus, says she is grateful for this initiative. “We are at work for the majority of the day, and it’s hard to get away for health checks. It is such a relief that we have these opportunities at work.”

Organising wellness days and roadshows like these shows that the NWU cares about the health and well-being of its employees, and the positive responses from staff indicate that such events increase employee morale and productivity.

Ready for action during the roadshow on the Mahikeng Campus. From left are Milton Nyamadzawo, People and Culture chief director, Prof Mala Singh, People and Culture executive director, and Pulahela Mahoko, director for employee relations and wellness.

Peet du Toit senior specialist: performance management, Michelle Bownes senior specialist: employee relations & strategic communication, Estelle Rheeder senior specialist Specialist remuneration & benefits,Rolivhuwa Nesane:  P&C Intern, Lolo Boyana director client services took time out to pose for a quick photo during the roadshow on the Potchefstroom Campus

Bonita Maboeta, senior wellness specialist, was beaming with excitement during the roadshow on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Mzo Biyela, human resources manager, Genevieve Poodhun, employee wellness specialist, and Connie Monareng, safety coordinator, served everyone with a smile during the roadshow on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.