With South Africa’s Workers’ Day being commemorated (Wednesday, May 1), the country’s focus moves to the rights of workers and their best interests during the month of May.

Workers’ Day in South Africa celebrates the role played by trade unions and other parties to achieve equal employment standards for everyone.

Research has made the link between employee health, productivity, and overall economic performance clear. In South Africa, it is estimated that the economic consequences of mental health issues in the workplace reflect a loss of R235 billion (€11.7bn), or 4.2% of the country's total GDP.

These findings highlight the importance of employee health and wellbeing, not only for the benefit of individuals and companies but for the broader economic prosperity of the nation.

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) believes that companies and organisations that put the best interest of their employees first stand a greater chance of being successful enterprises, and that May is the perfect opportunity for all companies to recommit themselves to this goal.

While TMACC is widely recognised as an environmental custodian, the organisation also places a strong emphasis on the health, safety, and overall wellbeing of its employees.  

It is wholly committed to creating a sustainable and thriving workplace that benefits both its employees and the environment they work to protect, says Selma Hercules, TMACC’s Executive Director.

“Every member of staff enjoys medical aid coverage, and we also equip them with life skills through our partner Families South Africa. We also support the sportier staff members who enter the annual Cableway Charity Challenge – a gruelling test of stamina and strength in which participants run up to the summit as many times as they can – and each year we send a team to compete,” says Hercules.

To further encourage healthy lifestyles, TMACC has established a walking club, allowing employees to explore the surroundings of Table Mountain while engaging in physical activity and socialising with colleagues.

The company’s soon-to-be-launched running club will enter teams to participate in some of the city’s most prestigious marathons.

The company also offers annual Wellness Days for staff, held in conjunction with a major national medical aid organisation, which allows employees to focus on their physical and mental health, and enjoy some downtime with colleagues.

“We view this as an investment in our team which ultimately also translates into investment in our future. Health and wellness, skills training, and holistic support are intertwined endeavours. This commitment to professional and personal development ensures that our team remains at the forefront of industry standards and best practices,” says Hercules.

An example of this focus on skills training will take place middle of this year, she adds.

“All operations at the Cableway will be closed for seven weeks while we undergo extensive annual maintenance work. Our technical team will be working side-by-side with the world’s best experts in maintenance of cable car operations which gives our team the chance to expand their knowledge and skills.

“Our operational team members will use this period to enjoy a well-deserved break as well as take part in short courses that boost overall staff wellbeing, with some of this year’s topics covering diet and nutrition, home vegetable gardening, mental health wellbeing, pension fund management, and financial planning.

“We understand that our employees' well-being is the foundation of our success. We strive to create a work environment that promotes health, safety, and personal growth, ensuring that our employees have the support and resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives both at work and beyond,” concludes Hercules.