“It’s important to revisit how employees feel about their work environment,” says Department of Facilities senior assistant Arend Pouwels, who chats to us about his role at UP and more.

Arend Pouwels, senior assistant in the Department of Facilities at the University of Pretoria (UP), tells about his day-to-day role and what it has taught him about life.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I grew up in Moot, Pretoria, and worked at private car dealerships after I matriculated in 1989. I did that for nearly four years before starting at UP.

What attracted you to UP?

My father worked at the University and it looked like a stable place to work. When I heard about an opening in the general store, I filled out an application and started work in 1993. I am currently in the transport department.

What does your day-to-day role entail?

I manage the operations of the whole UP fleet. This entails booking and issuing vehicles, making appointments for services, doing panel beating work, dealing with insurance and licensing and registration documents, handling traffic fines and maintaining golf cart problems.

What have you learnt in this position?

Among other things, I’ve learnt that one must make time to clear your mind; identify challenges; determine short-term and long-term goals; acknowledge your biases; take stock of your values; continuously explore options; and consider the consequences of each action.

You were born with physical challenges, yet this doesn’t seem to hold you back. How have you integrated these challenges into your life?

I was born three months premature and my mother had jaundice during her pregnancy; this resulted in my muscles not developing correctly. I had nine operations to help me walk better and more normally. There are still a lot of things I can’t do, but I am grateful for all the things I can do, and to be able to work a normal job. I acknowledge the good I’ve done in my life and regard that as the foundation for all abundance.

What do you like most about your job?

I like to work with people in diverse environments, which develops and expands my existing skill sets. This benefits our institution because enhanced skill sets result in improved productivity, performance and quality of work.

What is your least favourite part of the job? 

My least favourite part of the job is filing documents.

What makes a work environment healthy?

I do not like an environment where there is under-appreciation and a lack of communication. When an employee feels unappreciated, they’re more likely to disengage, perform at lower levels and experience burnout. It is important to consistently revisit how employees feel about their daily work environment. A healthy environment leads to greater productivity – a better atmosphere can be beneficial at all levels. We cannot survive without a healthy environment.

What do you do in your free time?

I don’t have much free time as I am on standby every second week. But I love to play darts and I enjoy time with my family.