Ministry of Health launches workplace wellbeing calendar |17 January 2024

With the aim of emphasising the importance of prioritising wellbeing, the Ministry of Health has launched its calendar, complete with various World Theme Days.

The calendar, which is focused on workplace wellbeing, aligns with the broader goal of promoting health, happiness, and overall wellness, and seeks to create opportunities for individuals to engage, educate, and support one another on their wellbeing journeys.

As per the calendar, January is the month for prioritising wellbeing, while February is the month for sexual and reproductive health and stress management. March is the month for Nutrition awareness and alcohol awareness month, and April is physical activity month. Among other themes throughout the year are women’s health awareness or occupational health and safety mental health.

As per the health ministry, a number of activities can be incorporated into the calendar, including ‘Mindful Mondays’, to kick start the week with mindfulness activities, encouraging everyone to take a moment for self-reflection and relaxation.

‘Fitness Fridays’ aim to promote physical activity and wellness by organising group workouts, yoga sessions or simply encouraging everyone to take a break and stretch.

‘Gratitude Wednesdays’ seek to foster a positive work culture by encouraging team members to express gratitude and appreciation for each other, while ‘Feel-Good Fridays’ are dedicated to sharing inspirational stories, quotes, or to organise activities that bring joy and positivity to the workplace.

Additionally, the calendar offers the opportunity to incorporate healthy eating days, whereby individuals can share nutritious recipes, host a virtual cooking class, or organise healthy potlucks, to encourage mindful eating habits.

Head of Health Promotion at the ministry, George Madeleine, expressed that the calendar is but one of the means through which the ministry is encouraging healthier practices and awareness within the workplace.

“I believe that by incorporating these World Theme Days into our calendar, we can create a workplace culture that values and prioritises the wellbeing of each team member. Additionally, this initiative can serve as a reminder to maintain a healthy work-life balance, reduce stress, and promote a positive atmosphere within our team,” Mr Madeleine stated.

Laura Pillay