The year started on a positive note with UNAM employees prioritising workplace wellbeing while fostering productivity. On 23 and 24 January 2024, UNAM library employees from the central-based campuses attended a wellness training session at Zion Seven Youth Centre (Brakwater) outside Windhoek.
Dr Joseph Ndinoshiho (UNAM librarian) welcomed colleagues to the event and praised UNAM management for the support to host the event. He expressed his hope that the work done during the training will not only be implemented to improve client satisfaction but also employee wellbeing. “I appreciate the opportunity to hear from staff members what their challenges are and to better understand my team. We had fun, we laughed, but we also identified critical challenges to help us improve our performance as a unit and continue to achieve our strategic goals within UNAM”.
Dr Selma Iilonga (senior librarian; UNAM main campus) expressed her satisfaction that the wellness workshop took place and that employees were open to discussing challenges and engaging actively. “It was our plan to involve the librarians from the satellite campuses. However, due to circumstances beyond our control we will need to prioritize an additional session for them”. Mrs Melissa Nuumbala, who was part of the organising committee, joined Dr Iilonga by expressing her satisfaction for this vital and treasured session. “During my tenure at UNAM library, I have not experienced an event like this before. I truly hope that additional training and refresher courses will follow in the near future”.
Mrs Namoonga Chilwalo-Masule, Dr Annelisa Murangi, Dr Clifford Hlatywayo, and Dr Wesley Pieters from the Department of Psychology and Social work volunteered their time to facilitate the two-day workplace wellness workshop. Some of the focus areas included training on emotional intelligence, effective communication, temperaments, teamwork, emotional labour, and self-care. The plan is to facilitate these workshops to generate additional income for the department and contribute to the strategic goals of the university. Dr Iilonga applauded the facilitators for the work that they do and for all their efforts. “You’ve outdone yourselves”.
It’s important to invest in employees, the most important resource of an organisation. The fight for top talent is continuous and to win this war, organisations need to develop employees while ensuring that these employees remain healthy. Employees attending the workshop pledged their commitment towards improved communication, accountability, continuous self-awareness, improved work ethic, inclusive planning and decision-making, improved teamwork, empathy and UNAM core values. Staff members who are interested in requesting similar workplace wellness training may contact Mr Vilyo Ndapopiwa (UNAM wellness officer- vndapopiwa@unam.na) for guidance and assistance.
