The ethical use of sick leave in the public service, health and wellness of public servants will occupy centre stage at the two-day workshop to be led by Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi.<\/p>\n
The workshop which is designed to address critical issues surrounding sick leave management, while promoting a comprehensive approach to employee health and well-being will kick-off tomorrow, Thursday 15, August.<\/p>\n
The two-day workshop to be held in KwaZulu-Natal will end on Friday, August 16, 2024, with a clear understanding of the challenges in managing sick leave and adopting a holistic perspective as they are essential for both employers and employees in today’s dynamic work environment.<\/p>\n
The workshop aims to strengthen the interface between the implementation of Employee Health and Wellness (EHW), Gender, Disability policies, and the management of the Policy and Procedure on Incapacity Leave as well as Ill-Health Retirement (PILIR) within the Public Service.<\/p>\n
Deliberations are expected to delve into the importance of integrating PILIR, Employee Health, Wellness, Disability, and Gender Policies to deepen understanding of the landscape pertaining to health challenges.<\/p>\n
Delegates will be focusing on the following areas:<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 Exploring the various pathways and strategies for vocational rehabilitation and reskilling of employees who have experienced temporary or permanent incapacitation.<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 Importance of a structured return-to-work (RTW) and the impact of an effective RTW programme on productivity, employee morale, and retention.<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 Reasonable accommodation in the workplace and how to better support employees with disabilities\/ health conditions and exploring strategies for effective implementation.<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 Managing a whole human approach to employee well-being for organizational productivity.<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 Role and contribution of Traditional Health Practitioners in supporting healthcare of employees.<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 The Role of the National Health Insurance and its impact on the healthcare services accessed by public servants.<\/p>\n
\u00ef\u201a\u00a7 Policy on the Elimination of Harassment and Violence in the World of Work.<\/p>\n
In addition to the physical and virtual participation of public servants, the workshop will draw on the expertise of public service EHW practitioners, private sector Health Risk Managers, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), traditional healers, among other stakeholders.<\/p>\n