Employers in Nigeria have been encouraged to prioritise the physical and mental well-being of their employees by fostering wellness programmes and creating conducive work environments to enhance productivity. Mrs. Laura Ade, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Redeemers’ Health Village (RHV), Redemption City of God, Mowe, Ogun State, made the call over the weekend during a panel discussion at the Masterpiece Resource Development Centre’s annual entrepreneurs’ conference and trade expo held in Lagos.
Highlighting the importance of employee wellness, Mrs. Ade emphasised the need for organisations to implement robust Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), promote team bonding activities, and conduct regular health checks, both pre-employment and during employment. She noted that these measures are essential for maintaining a sustainable and effective workforce. “From an operational standpoint, prioritising employee wellness isn’t just a moral obligation but also a strategic investment,” she said. “Organisations should create opportunities for team bonding, provide regular health screenings, and ensure their environments support the overall well-being of their workforce.”
Mrs. Ade also urged corporate organisations to leverage the discounted employee wellness packages available at the Redeemers’ Health Village, which are designed to ensure staff maintain healthy bodies and sound minds. She cited an example of RHV’s commitment to employee wellness, sharing details of a recent initiative—a “Day Out” event for all staff members, including consultants, cleaners, and gatemen. This gathering fostered inclusivity and unity, as everyone, regardless of rank or role, shared a meal together, breaking down hierarchical barriers and strengthening team spirit.
Mrs. Ade concluded by stressing that wellness initiatives not only enhance employee morale but also improve organisational performance. “A healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and it begins with intentional efforts from employers,” she said. The event underscored the critical role wellness programmes play in organisational success, inspiring employers to adopt innovative approaches to fostering healthier work environments.
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Speaking further on the critical role healthcare professionals and institutions play in delivering quality health services, Mrs. Ade highlighted affordability and accessibility as key factors in promoting good community health. According to Mrs. Ade, Redeemers’ Health Village places a strong emphasis on preventive care and wellness, offering a wide range of affordable healthcare services. These include counselling, preventive health screenings, and treatments across various medical disciplines such as cardiology, oncology, endoscopy, obstetrics and gynaecology, family medicine, paediatrics, intensive care, and radiology, among others. She encouraged individuals and organisations to take advantage of the cutting-edge medical facilities at RHV to enhance their health and well-being.
The panel discussion also featured other notable speakers, including Dr. Toni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, and Mrs. Vandana Kaushal, Founder of Salt Spa and Wellness Centre, Lagos. Dr. Adeyemi commended the Lagos State Government for making healthcare more affordable through the state health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko. She noted that the government has also prioritised upgrading existing healthcare infrastructure and constructing new facilities, particularly primary healthcare centres, across the state.
Mrs. Kaushal, meanwhile, underscored the importance of quality sleep for overall wellness and workplace productivity. She advised people to aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night, or to consider taking short naps during the day to supplement their rest. The session underscored the collective responsibility of healthcare providers, government, and individuals in fostering accessible and preventive healthcare solutions to improve the quality of life in communities.