October celebrates and raises awareness about mental health. Thus, renowned hospitality organisation, City Lodge Hotels, not only prides itself with committing to staff-wellbeing, but it highlights the importance of employees’ mental health in order to run a profitable company and a healthy workplace environment. Picture: Supplied
As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Group Human Resources manager at City Lodge Hotels, Lichen Gurovich, hailed the organisation for its commitment to staff-wellbeing.
In a fast paced labour market, the workplace environment has vastly changed, with the emergence of hybrid and remote working, while other people still report to work — such rapid changes impact staff-wellbeing.
According to the World Health Organisation, 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have mental disorders in 2019. Hence, City Lodge Hotels understands that the mental wellbeing of its workers is the cornerstone of a well-run organisation.
“Employee well-being is paramount. We recognise that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and we implement various initiatives to support mental, physical, and emotional health.
“Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers confidential counselling services and resources for mental health support. Employees are encouraged to seek help when needed, reinforcing a culture that prioritises mental health,” said Gurovich.
The prestigious hospitality organisation offers workers flexible hours and the option of remote work, which enables employees to manage their responsibilities more effectively, reducing stress and boosting job productivity, said Gurovich.
Moreover, City Lodge Hotels celebrates workers’ career milestones and achievements in order to motivate employees and foster a healthy workplace environment.
“Recognising and celebrating employee achievements is integral to our culture. We acknowledge the hard work and contributions of our employees, boosting morale and reinforcing positive mental health,” said Gurovich.
Gurovich said City Lodge Hotels promotes diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, where people from various backgrounds, gender and ethnic groups feel welcomed.
“Inclusivity is a cornerstone of workplace culture. We recognise that a diverse workforce enhances creativity and drives better decision-making. Our initiatives focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, which is critical for mental health.
“We provide training on unconscious bias and cultural competency, equipping employees with the skills to navigate diverse perspectives and foster inclusive behaviours,” she said.
She noted the organisation recognises the importance of communication between management and employees.
Effective communication enables a thriving workplace culture, where employees do not feel isolated, instead they are confident and are not afraid to speak up.
“We prioritise open lines of communication at all levels of the organisation. To facilitate communication and collaboration, we utilise digital tools that enhance teamwork, especially in hybrid or remote settings.
“Our established procedures for addressing issues are effectively implemented and consistently followed, providing employees with confidence that their mental health is being prioritised.
“Regular and ongoing engagement with all employees ensures that their voices are heard, which promotes a culture of inclusion and responsiveness,” said Gurovich.
City Lodge Hotels strives for continuous company improvement.
Gurovich explained the organisation involves its employees to provide new ideas and solutions on improving workplace culture.
This culture of openness enables employees to feel valued and empowered, which contributes positively to their mental health.
“Our approach to workplace culture is deeply intertwined with mental health, rooted in core values, inclusivity, employee well-being, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“By prioritising these elements, we create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to the organisation’s success.
“As we move forward, we remain dedicated to nurturing and evolving our culture, ensuring a thriving workplace for all, where mental health is prioritised and supported,” said Gurovich.
The Star
hope.mafu@inl.co.za