Learning can boost well-being

MENTAL health in the workplace is increasingly becoming a focus for progressive organisations that value and view their employees as people - not simply as costs on a balance sheet.

- MICHAEL GULLAN

And smart leaders are realising that employees who are physically and mentally healthy are not only good for productivity, they're also essential for creating a positive work culture and long-term success.

However, despite this increased awareness, workplace burnout still appears to be getting worse. In large part, this is because the tough and unpredictable economic climate has resulted in greater demands on and for employees.

SA situation fond

A survey by Oxford University showed that South Africans have among the longest working hours in the world; with the average employee working 40 to 48 hours a week, and 21% of our workforce working more than 49 hours a week.

A report by Our World in Data on working hours shows that although South Africans work longer hours, we're not matching the productivity levels of developed nations who work less.