Advancing Corporate Wellness

In a landmark collaboration, the Global Compact Network Tanzania (GCNT) teamed up with ImpactAfya Limited to host the inaugural Corporate Wellness Conference 2024 in Dar es Salaam on April 17th. With the theme "Mitigating Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) for sustainable Businesses," this event heralded a significant step forward in amplifying the importance of corporate wellness as a linchpin for a sustainable future.

The burgeoning field of corporate wellness in Africa faces a scarcity of best practices and shared experiences. While many companies acknowledge the significance of wellness programs, the execution often remains disjointed.

The half-day conference aimed to:
- Provide a Platform for Knowledge Exchange: Sharing insights and experiences in promoting corporate wellness.
- Explore Latest Trends: Delving into employee well-being trends, including mental health, physical wellness, and work-life balance.
- Showcase Success Stories: Highlighting effective case studies and initiatives from leading organizations.
- Facilitate Collaboration: Fostering networking and collaboration among professionals dedicated to enhancing corporate wellness.
- Inspire Action: Equipping attendees with practical tools and strategies for implementation within their organizations.

The conference drew business executives, emphasizing the critical role of targeted interventions in mitigating NCDs for both employee well-being and business sustainability.

Four enlightening panels and engaging fire chat sessions formed the core of the conference:

Panel 1: Global Perspectives

Experts shed light on how NCDs pose a significant global challenge, impacting not just health but also economic development and social equity.

Panel 2: From Perspectives to Practice
This panel delved into the economic ramifications of NCDs, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures and sustainable practices in the corporate sphere.

Panel 3: Trendsetters for Sustainability
Leading organizations shared innovative approaches to corporate wellness, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Panel 4: Make it Happen: Health Habits-Healthy Business
Experts discussed actionable strategies for integrating health-conscious practices into corporate culture.

The fire chat session, led by prominent figures from GCNT and ImpactAfya Ltd, unveiled the Corporate Wellness & YOU Program (CWYP), aiming to establish Tanzanian standards for successful wellness initiatives.

The event concluded with the renewal of the MoU between GCNT and ImpactAfya Limited, reaffirming their commitment to advancing corporate wellness initiatives.

In the words of Ms. Marsha Macatta-Yambi, Executive Director of GCNT, and Adv. Suzanne Ndomba-Doran, CEO of Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), corporate wellness isn't just a trend—it's an imperative, driving tangible impact and fostering collaboration for a healthier, sustainable future.

“As we embark on this journey together, let us seize this opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the noble cause of corporate wellness. Let us leverage our collective wisdom, expertise, and passion to drive tangible impact and effect positive change within our organizations and beyond. And let us reaffirm our shared belief in the transformative power of collaboration, resilience, and human ingenuity in overcoming the most formidable of challenges.” 

Ms. Marsha Macatta-Yambi, Executive Director, Global Compact Network Tanzania

“The pursuit of corporate wellness is not merely a trend or a passing fad; it is an imperative—a moral imperative, a strategic imperative, and a human imperative.” 

Adv. Suzanne Ndomba-Doran, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE).