Weekly Highlights 07 July 2023

Weekly Dear Colleagues Highlights The first week of July marks Corporate Wellness Week, 07 July 2023 - Issue No. 192 a significant occasion to shed light on the importance of creating a healthy work environment. This dedicated RAF Language Unit Celebrates the week serves as a reminder to organisations and Decade of Indigenous Languages employees alike about the pitfalls of an ‘all work and no play’ mentality, emphasising the critical role of wellness Xitsonga in fostering productivity and overall well-being in the Proverb of the Week workplace. ‘Nomu a wu taleriwi hi nambu.’ Corporate Wellness Week offers a platform to raise Translation: Talk is cheap. awareness about the significance of prioritising employee well-being. It encourages organisations to take a proactive Meaning: It is easier to say that approach towards creating a healthy work environment one will do something than to ac- that values work-life balance, stress management, and employee engagement. This week serves as an tually do that thing. opportunity to identify and address the negative impact of an excessive workload, burnout, and neglecting personal In this issue health. Emotional Selfie By recognising the pitfalls of an imbalanced approach to work, Corporate Wellness Week advocates for the THE RAF PARTICIPATES IN THE 08TH ANNUAL GREEN integration of wellness initiatives into the corporate culture. YOUTH INDABA It encourages employers to offer resources and activities that promote physical and mental health, such as flexible Navigating Change in the Workplace: working hours, wellness programmes, mindfulness Strategies for Psychological Resilience and sessions, and opportunities for social interaction and Growth recreation. These initiatives foster a positive work environment, reduce stress levels, and enhance employee rAF activations satisfaction and productivity. the fun page Embracing wellness initiatives not only leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction but also fosters a positive Letters to the Editor workplace culture. RAFzins, let us seize the opportunities offered to us by Employee Wellness Services by fully We invite our readers to share their utilising their services offered via ICAS on 0800 777 467, comments, feedback, and suggestions and take the steps to create a healthier and more fulfilling with us. Readers are encouraged to submit work environment for ourselves. their letters, of no more than 200 words, to [email protected], [email protected] Enjoy this week’s Highlights! and [email protected]. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Editor: Thabang Mahlatsi ([email protected]) Internal Communication Sub-editor: Tholakele Radebe ([email protected]) Senior Reporter: Naziphi Mpokela ([email protected]) Editor-In-Chief: Anton Janse van Rensburg ([email protected])

Emotional Selfie by Tintswalo Nkuna We all go through things that we might not be able to talk about with others to express our emotions. Some people have lost their jobs, some have lost loved ones due to death, some have separated from their partners or got divorced, and some have lost their businesses. Our organisation is going through changes, our se- curity or stability that came from the familiarity of our daily routines has shifted. All these things can have an impact on our emotional state. Being in a bad emotional state does not make you a bad person but you need to be aware of where you are emotionally because it can affect your attitude towards everyone around you and life in general. Yes, your emotions are influenced by your thoughts, and you have control over them. But sometimes life happens and some of the situations you find yourself in can be- come so bad that you feel like everything is out of your control. Most of us love taking selfies and checking in at Regardless of what has happened to influence or nega- nice places on social media. We want people to tively affect your emotions, you are still responsible for know we have been there, and we want to share the way you react or respond to the situations in your with the world how beautiful we look at those plac- life and people around you. If you are not aware of your es and how happy we are to be there. Social media emotional state, you have less control over it. Once you is a great platform to share our activities and our decide to pay attention and be aware of where you are lives with others, provided it’s used safely consid- emotionally, you will be able to manage your emotions. ering the risk it may also pose. We take selfies of our outfits, our make-up, and hairdos It is important that you also become aware of the things to post and in return we get likes and good comments that trigger your emotional reactions. Do you know what which boost our self-esteem and confidence. makes you annoyed, irritable, impatient or angry? If you What if you were to take a selfie of your emotional become aware of these things, then you can either pre- state? What would it look like? How and where are you pare yourself or plan your days around avoiding them if emotionally? Are you in a good space? they are avoidable until you feel better. We hardly take the time to assess and check in on our emotions to see what is really going on in there. For ladies, there is a certain time around our monthly Whether you are aware of your emotional state or not, cycles that makes us vulnerable and it is important it always comes out in the way you respond or react to to take note of that, acknowledge it and find ways to the people and things that happen around you. manage it. It is easy to be labelled as a bitter, angry, or nasty woman just because of a word you said or an ac- CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE tion you took under the influence of a temporary emo- tional state. Continues to the next page 2

Emotional Selfie (cont.) The sad thing with unknown and unmanaged emotions listening to the music you enjoy, a workout session, a is that they have a tendency of ruining your reputation conversation with someone you enjoy talking to, pray- and relationships because the smallest of things can ing or meditating. In as much as you may know the trigger an emotional outburst. Have you ever wondered triggers of negative emotions from you, it is very impor- why someone would get so angry that someone cut tant to also know those of good feelings and work more them off in traffic or did not greet them, to an extent towards them. that their entire day gets ruined by that one unfortunate event? If you continuously check in on your emotional state, identify your triggers, do more of the things that put When you do your emotional check and find that you you in a better emotional state, your day and your life are not in the best place emotionally, try to find and do in general will improve. Let’s start taking care of our things that help you improve your mood. It could be emotional well-being or do more of it if we have already something you enjoy like having your favourite meal, started in order to get ourselves in a good space. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Tintswalo Nkuna is a Call Centre Agent based in Eco 3 Glades

THE RAF PARTICIPATES IN THE 08TH ANNUAL GREEN YOUTH INDABA by Thato Tshikomb The Road Accident Fund (RAF) participated in the able Transport and Future Mobility. During the exhi- 08th Annual Green Youth Indaba from 29 – 30 June bitions, the RAF used the platform to promote road 2023 at the Durban International Conference Cen- safety among the many young people who attended tre. The objective of the Green Youth Indaba is to the event. Visitors to the exhibition stand also had a sensitise and empower young minds about the op- chance to engage with the RAF team about claims en- portunities available within the green economy and quiries, the product benefits available at the RAF, and sustainable development. fraud awareness. The Fund was represented by People Management’s The RAF continues to participate in youth empower- Learning and Development Unit and Stakeholder ment programmes to uplift young people and assist Relations Management’s Road Safety Unit. The team them to become significant contributors to the country’s manned an exhibition stand and participated in a economic growth. breakaway session focusing on the theme of Sustain- CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Thato Tshikomb is a Skills Development Facilitator based 4 in Eco Glades

Navigating Change in the Workplace: Strategies for Psychological Resilience and Growth by Anton Janse van Rensburg Dealing with change in the workplace can be chal- Engage in open and honest communication with your lenging for individuals, but there are several strat- colleagues, supervisors, or management. Share your egies that employees can use to psychologically concerns, ask questions, and seek clarification about cope with change. Caroline Castrillon, a contributor the changes. Clear communication can help reduce for Forbes (an American business magazine and ambiguity and provide you with a sense of control and digital media company that focuses on finance, involvement. investing, entrepreneurship, technology, and other related topics), offers additional insights and prac- Focus on what you can control tical tips on how to navigate workplace change effectively. While some aspects of change may be beyond your control, identify the areas where you have influence and Acknowledge and understand your feelings take action. Focus on your own performance, adapt- ability, and learning new skills that may be required. By Recognise that change can bring about various emo- concentrating on what you can control, you can regain tions such as uncertainty, fear, or resistance. Take the a sense of empowerment. time to understand your own feelings and accept that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during Seek support times of change. Connect with colleagues or peers who may be expe- Educate yourself about the change riencing similar challenges. Share your experiences, listen to theirs, and provide support to each other. Seek information and knowledge about the changes Additionally, consider seeking support from mentors, happening in your workplace. Understand the reasons coaches, or Employee Assistance Programmes (like behind the change, its potential benefits, and how it ICAS) to help you navigate the change. may affect your role and responsibilities. Having a clear understanding can help alleviate some of the anxiety Embrace a growth mindset and uncertainty. View change as an opportunity for growth and develop- Maintain open communication CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page 5

Navigating Change in the Workplace: Strategies for Psychological Resilience and Growth (Cont.) ment. Adopt a mindset that sees challenges as learn- tain a healthy work-life balance, engage in activities ing experiences and focus on the potential positive that help you relax and reduce stress, and seek sup- outcomes that can arise from the change. Embracing a port from friends, family, or professional resources if growth mindset can help you adapt more effectively to needed. new situations. Remember that everyone responds to change differ- Take care of yourself ently, and it’s important to find coping strategies that work best for you. By implementing these suggestions, During times of change, self-care is crucial. Make sure you can enhance your ability to psychologically deal to prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Main- with change in the workplace and navigate through it successfully. For the full article by Caroline Castrillon on Forbes, please visit: hwtittphs-:c/h/wawngwe.f-oinrb-tehse.-cwoomrk/spiltaecse/c/?asrohl=in1e4cea5setrfi3llfo4n3/726020/02/26/how-to-cope- CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE AntonCJaonmsmeuvnaincaRtieonnsbbausrgedisinaEMcaonGaglaedre: sIn.ternal 6

rAF activations by The Marketing Unit Presidential Imbizo Venue: Oqungweni Soccer Field, uThukela District, KwaZulu-Natal Date: 30 June 2023 CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page 7

rAF activations by The Marketing Unit Driver Wellness Programme: RAF Wellness Bus (Limpopo Taxi Ranks Activation) Venue: Malamulele, Thohoyandou, Njelele, Elim, and Makhado Date: 03 — 07 July 2023 CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 8

THE FUN PAGE With the first week of July being Corporate Wellness Week, we decided to take a look at the funny side of work-life balance. Enjoy! NOTNEOTTOE RTEOARDEEARDSE:RS: WhatWkhinadt koifndcoonftecnotnwteonut ldwoyuolud lyikoeu tloikeseteo osneethoisn pthaigsepiangefutiunrefuture eKdinitdioleKyndisnsit?edionlWyndssey?eownWudoreuyslodwuugolroguvseldeusgtltioogovenhessettiatooorn:hfsirenoattmoer:rfnyirnoaotmluec!ronymaolmuc!oumnimquuen@[email protected]