Ngoni Dapira

AS Zimbabwe faces a growing mental health burden Holiday Inn Mutare is taking the lead to encourage companies to prioritize the mental health of its employees.

Challenges to mental health, which include depression, anxiety and suicide continue to be misunderstood and associated with negative connotations in Zimbabwe. Recent research published by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and UN partners – “Prevention and management of mental health conditions in Zimbabwe: The case for investment” – states that mental health-related morbidity and mortality are increasing in Zimbabwe. Anxiety disorders are estimated to affect 2.8 percent of the population and to account for 4 percent of total years lived with disability. However, the report highlights this might be underestimated.

Holiday Inn Mutare human resources manager Obrien Godi said as an institution they always celebrate Wellness Day because the health of their staff members matters and it also promotes team building. He however said, apart from the Wellness Day commemorations they always do other retreats to motivate their employees. He added that wellness concerns should not only be prioritised on annual Wellness Day commemorations but periodically.

Holiday Inn Mutare is part of the InterContinental Hotels (IHG) Group of Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hoteliers.

“Wellness retreats bring together our staff members, young and old, as a day filled with fun, fitness and health awareness. It also boosts employee morale, productivity, retention and reduces healthcare costs. Mental health struggles are compounded by broader socio-economic challenges, but can impact workforce productivity and overall well-being,” said Godi who spoke on behalf of the general manager Charlton Chimbira.

A wellness day is a dedicated time to focus on physical, mental and emotional health through activities like exercise, meditation and healthy eating to encourage self-care and work-life balance. It is also popular as an employer-sponsored day to prevent burnout of employees and boost productivity.

Before their annual wellness day commemorations held towards the end of the year last year, the organisation had also held a man cave to promote team building and hear the concerns of their male employees at work and at home. A similar retreat was organised separately for the women.

The Wellness Day’s activities kick started with a color fun run along Herbert Chitepo Street from downtown up to the Hotel uptown. Then at the hotel they did activities like energetic Zumba sessions and health workshops where they discussed academic prowess, financial wellness, mental health and retirement plans to promote living well.

Various experts such as Dr Pholile Mpofu a dermatologist from Nectarine Clinic taught on chronic illnesses, HIV, BP, diabetes among other diseases affecting communities present-day, whilst a representative from Dr Tarzan Mugadza’s dental clinic, Gerry Selemani, taught on dental health and oral hygiene.

Business stakeholders also present were Old Mutual where an expert taught on financial health and retirement plans as well as FBC Bank and the risk advisory company Minerva that presented on investment plans and how to access loans. Also present was Nyaradzo Funeral Service, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Combined Health, Exclusive Medicare and The Eye Room that exhibited their services.

After the day’s activities the staff members had a lunch and had the opportunity to get free medical consultation.

The Wellness Day activities in pictures: (Picture credit: Peter Buluka)