Employee wellbeing is a top priority for the Department of Library Services

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the well-being of our employees. In response to a COVID-19 survey which was completed by library staff members between 7 – 30 April 2020, the library executive team decided to invite EWP@UP to host a wellbeing session for all library staff members to attend.

On 28 July 2020 Etricia Harms, a registered Counsellor and external mental health Professional of EWP@UP, presented a wellbeing session to staff members titled: Building resilience and finding balance in the face of adversity.

The session addressed the following issues:

• Understanding the impact of stress and imbalance on our mental and physical health
• Learning about resilience and receiving tips to build resilience
• Understanding what work-life balance is all about
• Learning about ways to create a healthier balance in all spheres of life
• Learning about resources and support to restore the balance in our lives

Etricia acknowledged that although we have found ourselves in a very unusual situation, we have to adjust, change and adapt to the “new normal”. Stress also affects people in different ways: it can be the source of a headache for some, but others might experience feelings of anxiety, experience sleep disturbances or constant worrying.

She advised everyone to be resilient by sharing a quote by Vivian Komori: “Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce.” She encouraged the staff to accept their emotions, even if they are “messy and difficult” because that is the cornerstone to resilience and authentic happiness. It is true that bad things can happen to everyone but we get to decide how we are going to react to those bad things.

It is important to remember that resilience is a skill that can be learnt and that needs to be practised. Etricia reminded everyone that thoughts are not facts and she recommended “The 4 As” to deal with stressful situations:

1. Avoid the stressor (this can be people)
2. Assess the situation and be willing to compromise
3. Adapt to the stressor and adjust your standards 
4. Accept the unchangeable

Etricia ended off with a reminder to make time for yourself, to eat properly, exercise and sleep, and to keep a mental, physical, emotional and spiritual balance. I loved this quote she shared by Eckhart Tolle: “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but thought about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral. It is as it is.”

This wellbeing session was evaluated afterwards and 91.3% of the library staff members who attended found it useful, although the session was too long. Staff members also suggested potential new topics and another wellbeing session will be arranged soon.

Staff members should remember that there is help available for staff wellbeing issues: EWP@UP is here for all UP staff members via workshops, lunch talks, awareness groups, fitness classes and individual mental health support, and can be contacted at [email protected] or (012) 420 4443/4193.