Employee Wellness Indaba drives shift from talk to action
The 2026 Employee Wellness Indaba, hosted by Eureka Psychological Services powered by Old Mutual Namibia, has concluded with a clear call to action: organisations must move beyond conversation and start designing workplaces where people can truly thrive. Held under the theme Well-Being by Design, the two-day Indaba brought together leaders, practitioners and policymakers to reflect on the future of work and the role wellness plays in it. Old Mutual Namibia reaffirmed this commitment by pledging N$370 000 over the next three years towards advancing employee wellness initiatives and supporting platforms that drive meaningful, long-term change.
The conversations that followed made it clear that wellness cannot remain an add-on. It must be embedded into how organisations operate, lead and make decisions. From unpacking burnout and workplace fatigue to addressing rising absenteeism and turnover, the Indaba highlighted that these challenges are not isolated, but signals of deeper systemic issues. There was also strong emphasis on broadening the definition of wellness. While mental and physical health remain critical, financial well-being, purpose, stability and the realities employees face beyond the workplace were equally recognised. In a time where financial pressures and personal responsibilities continue to weigh heavily on many, building resilience across all aspects of well-being is increasingly important.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the Indaba, Herlé Otto, Employee Wellness Consultant at Old Mutual Namibia, said the event reinforced the need for more intentional and human-centred workplace design. “What stood out over these two days is that organisations cannot afford to approach wellness as a once-off intervention. It has to be built into the everyday experience of employees. When people feel supported, safe and genuinely valued, they are able to contribute meaningfully. That’s where real, sustainable performance comes from,” he said. Old Mutual Namibia Group Chief Executive Officer, Tassius Chigariro, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of investing in people. “If we are serious about performance and long-term sustainability, we have to be serious about our people.
Wellness is not just about the individual, it’s about families, teams and ultimately the society we are shaping. When organisations create environments where people can thrive, the impact goes far beyond the workplace,” he said. At a national level, the Indaba further reinforced that employee wellness is not only a workplace issue, but an economic imperative. The well-being of employees directly influences productivity, organisational performance and the resilience of the broader economy. As the event comes to a close, organisers confirmed that the Indaba will evolve into The Workplace Wellbeing Convention from 2027, reflecting a continued commitment to expanding the conversation and deepening its impact.
The 2026 Employee Wellness Indaba has set a strong foundation, but the message is clear: the real work starts now. Organisations are being challenged to turn insight into action, and to build environments where people do not just cope but thrive.
