Mental Health & Wellness Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate NML’s commitment to a healthy work-life balance and to stipulate the support the Company is willing to give in order to promote the mental health and wellbeing of our staff.
NML endeavours to provide a working environment that promotes and supports the mental health and wellbeing of all employees. We aim to create a space where all our staff members can flourish.
Application
This policy applies to all New Media Labs Services (Pty) Ltd, hereinafter referred to as “the Company,” employees.
Assistance Offered by NML
Contribution to Counselling
In order to facilitate employees’ active participation in activities that support mental health and wellbeing, the company will pay for up to 6 sessions with a registered psychologist or psychiatrist per annum. Please note that sessions will be limited to one session per month. Employees should note that the contribution made to these sessions are capped at R1200 per session. The employee may choose their own professional but any costs over and above the R1200 offered by the Company, will have to be covered by the employee.
Should an employee give notice, they will not be eligible to make use of the counselling benefit during their notice period.
Flexible working hours
At NML, we are not clock watchers. As long as an employee delivers on their assigned outputs, meets their deadlines and are available to our clients during normal business hours, employees can arrange their working day as it pleases them.
More Than the 15 Days...
The nationally prescribed number of annual leave days is 15 work days. At NML we go above and beyond this to offer staff 20 days off so they can truly kick back and relax when they need to.
Moving Day Leave
Moving can be exhausting, tedious and downright stressful. To reduce this stress, NML offers employees one day off per annum to make moving a little less stressful.
Time Off For Overtime Worked
At NML, the majority of staff is remunerated at a level which exempts them from qualifying for overtime. Despite this, the Company still offers staff paid time off for overtime worked.
Company Responsibilities
Making employees aware of this policy;
- Ensure, through Management’s assistance, that this policy is implemented; and
- Periodically review this policy.
Employee Responsibilities
- Take responsibility for nurturing your own mental health and wellbeing, including physical health;
- Be conscious of how your actions, words and/or omissions at work affect the mental health and wellbeing of others around you;
- Encourage open conversations about mental health;
- Read this policy and seek clarification from Management, where required; and
- Do everything in your power to create a healthy and supportive work environment for all NML employees.
General
Employees making use of the mental health policy benefits are assured of confidentiality, except in cases where it becomes evident to Management that the person is a risk to themselves of other in terms of legislation.